![]() As per this study, good deer nutrition means a 16% protein diet, which provides enough calcium and phosphorus supplements. For instance, if the male fawn doesn’t get the required nutrients during its first year, it will likely become a spike buck the next year. Besides this, unbranched antlers may also be caused by bad nutrition, harsh weather conditions, and stress. If it was born later than usual, its antlers might not develop branches. ![]() Why Are There Spike Bucks? Unbranched antlers may be caused by bad nutrition, harsh weather conditions, and stress.Ī quick Google search will tell you that the development of a buck’s antlers highly depends on how and when the male fawn was born. After this, their quality will start decreasing. On the other hand, a study shows that deer antlers can grow only until the buck reaches 6.5 years of age. Besides this, their antlers can still reach their true size and become branched, so there’s still time for them to become true adult bucks. Deer are usually fully grown when they reach 3-4 years old. Since spikes are most often 1-1.5-year-old deer, it’s only natural many hunters don’t use this word for bucks. Why? Because people often believe spikes haven’t reached adulthood, hence they cannot be called bucks yet. While scientific sources use the term “spike” regarding bucks, many hunters do not consider spikes bucks. Bill Armstrong, in his paper called “ Understanding Spike Buck Harvest,” defines “spike” as “a male deer that is 1.5 years of age or older and whose antlers are unbranched.” Moreover, he mentions that “spike” does not refer to fawns with bumps on their heads. They are also called spikehorn, spike bucks, spiked bucks, spikes, or spikers. ![]() The term “spike” refers to bucks (male deer) with antlers that do not branch. ![]() So what’s this all about? Keep reading, and you’ll find out! What Is a Spike Deer? The term “spike” refers to bucks (male deer) with antlers that do not branch. It’s a term used when referring to certain deer (which may belong to any deer species) with a unique feature. Have you ever heard the term “spike” regarding deer? Even if you haven’t, we promise it’s something you want to know if you’re a deer enthusiast! This isn’t just a deer species, as one may think. ![]()
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