What is the definition of a spike? I have always been told that a spike is any buck that is smooth on one side of its horns. It could have 4 pts on one side and smooth on the other and its still a spike.

But, I found this definition on TPWD's website. "A spike buck deer is a BUCK with no antler having a fork or branching point." To me, that definition means a deer with multiple points on one side that is smooth on the other is not a spike.

A friend of mine killed a deer last weekend (during late doe/spike season) that had 3 pts on one side and was smooth on the other. Now he thinks he shot an illegal deer. Did he?

I think he did. I have always understood it as a buck with horns protruding through the skin and not having any forks on either side.

A spike cannot have more than 2 points. 1 on each side.

If either antler branches, it's not a spike.

Definitely and positively shot an illegal deer during the late season. No and's, if's, or's or but's about it! It can not have any point equal to or longer than 1" off of the main beam. He's extremely lucky the GW didn't see it. Wow, that would have been a pretty good fine!

I'll be damned. That's the last time I listen to my dad! I have always been told that a spike was any buck that was smooth on one side. Everyone I hunted with thought the same thing. Glad I wasn't the one who shot it! He's really lucky Mr. GW didn't come around last weekend.

Now lets play the ethic game around here... Would you turn yourself in???

Of course I'd turn myself in. I'm never gonna let my buddy live this down.

He is an Aggie after all.


Ha! Ha! Ha!

I can't believe it took so long for the Aggie joke!

1 horn + 1 horn + 2 kickers = 2 points, so it must be a spike...Aggie math at its best.

One other problem might arise from late season hunts. We are already finding sheds around our feeders!!!! Seems the titsy fly must have been early because we have some bucks dropping their horns already! Seems to be only the spikes and up to the yearling 6 pointers so far.

Got to be careful and look long and hard before you pull the trigger! It could happen and has with quite a few folks...shoot a antlerless buck (already dropped its antlers) for a doe. You still have to tag it as an antlerless since it does not have a hardened antler through the skin.

Careful, careful...

I would call the game warden...I'm just one of those "do the right thing" kinda people. Plus, your mind and heart should bother you for a long, long time by not doing the right thing.

this is a perfect example of the "ethical vs. legal" argument.

Friend of mine's uncle shot the wrong animal becuase he didn't see the horn. He called the game warden and gave them the info. I don't think they ever sent him a bill. He is a park ranger himself so he knew it was the right thing to do.

Did you hear the one about the Aggie who thought a spike had 3 points. Hook'em.

I'm pretty sure living in Austin had something to do with it. You never know what is going to rub off on you walking down 6th.

That's a joke fellas.

This is Crazyhorse, and this type situation is why I started the deal about legal vs. etics. If this were Colorado, and before anyone pops off, I witnessed this one personally, you would lose the deer, and pay about $75.00 dollars, I helped skin one out for the GW. Just stop and think about how much you would be out of pocket in Texas, for that same trangression. I may be wrong, but from my understanding of game laws and the setting of fines, TP&W only controls the restitution fee for the "replacement" of that animals potential. The actual fine is decided on by the JP you will go in front of. That little bad feeling about shooting the wrong deer could turn into a "Bankloan" situation real fast, irregardless your intentions. My ethics tell me, if I get caught, co-operate fully, if I don't get caught, next time if not 100% sure, don't shoot.

I'd like to second CHC on his view of it. If its a honest mistake and you've learned from it. I see no reason to lose sleep at night.

Did you hear the one about the #9 longhorn basketball team that got whipped by the Aggies last night?

Sorry, I couldn't resist. Its not too often that Aggies have basketball smack.

I almost had a wreck this morning when they announced on the radio about that game. Everything just went black. Gig 'em boys!!!!

I would have the smoker going. With at Turkey pan some beer and alot of Tony C. In about 4hr cover it with foil. In 4 more hrs we would be eating.

welp...great shot! got any backstrap left??