New Hunter: Is a spike to small?

[mah712rn]

I'm not you typical new hunter. 42 yo have always wanted to but didn't grow up with hunting so not something I learned. Last winter I decided I was going to do it and bought a used bow and have practiced all summer. was excited about getting out. I scouted, bought a hang on. I have seen a few does the only one that was in shooting range (at least what I'm cofortable with now, 30 yards) had 2 fawns wih her and didnt take that. Was that the right call? last night I had a small buck come through within range, a spike about 6 inch spikes and didnt take it. As a first should I of? Am I corrupted by deer porn...lol? just wanted to get some opinions on this. would of been my first deer.

[Goose]

If I were you I would shoot anything that gives you a good ethical shot. Be it a doe,fawn,spike,8pt, or booner.
Get some deer under your belt and then go from there.
I would say yes, deer porn has gotten to ya.
Any deer that you shoot with your bow is a trophy!
Good luck and post the pictures when you get that first one!

[Ohio farms]

Good advice from Goose.  

[swampdonkey1982]

My motto is "Tomorrows trophy, today"

[nhdeerchaser]

ORIGINAL: Goose

If I were you I would shoot anything that gives you a good ethical shot. Be it a doe,fawn,spike,8pt, or booner.
Get some deer under your belt and then go from there.
I would say yes, deer porn has gotten to ya.
Any deer that you shoot with your bow is a trophy!
Good luck and post the pictures when you get that first one!

I can't add anything to this. Goose hit it right on the head.

Mike

[GTOHunter]

Like Goose mentioned if you have a better shot at a Spike Buck take the best/closest shot that you know you can make without missing the Deer.On the other hand...If your a Seasoned Hunter and you have plenty of Deer where You hunt I would say let the smaller Bucks walk and try shooting a Doe or a larger Buck.

A few years ago I started up Bow Hunting,went for 4 years without shooting/killing a Deer.I had several close encounters and even missed a few Deers with my bow over the years as I learned to improve my Hunting and scent control.Finally in October of 2006 I had a Doe and a Fawn make their way into a Food Plot I planted earlier that Fall,as I waited for the Doe to get into range a young 6-Point Buck crossed the creek to my right and walked directly under the front of my stand,I waited til he passed and took the shot.He ran about 35 yards and dropped...it was the most thrilling day in my Hunting Life to get a Deer with a Bow.In a way I wish I would have let him walk since he was a young Buck but on the other hand I finally harvest a Deer with my Bow and it was a good clean kill.Now after several more years of hunting with my Bow I have let several young Bucks walk away in hopes of getting a nice Big Buck with Archery Equipment!

[buckhunter21]

ORIGINAL: Goose

If I were you I would shoot anything that gives you a good ethical shot. Be it a doe,fawn,spike,8pt, or booner.
Get some deer under your belt and then go from there.
I would say yes, deer porn has gotten to ya.
Any deer that you shoot with your bow is a trophy!
Good luck and post the pictures when you get that first one!

 
He summed it up. Being a new hunter, gaining confidence is key.  But then again, it's all about what you're happy with.  Even if you've been hunting for 20 years, who says you can't shoot a spike if that's what you're happy with doing? 
 
Best of luck!

[eagle eye]

Not to jump on the band wagon but here I go. I truly believe that the trophy is in the eye of the beholder, provided it is with in the regulations and you make the most of the animal. My family and I try to make the most of all of the game that we harvest throughout the year and do not apologize for taking does when we have the opportunity and we are able to take an ethical shot. I do strongly believe in QDM practice and i am fortunate due to the land i hunt to be selective in the deer we take. If i were you i would focus on taking shots in the woods that you are very comfortable taking where you know you can get a clean pass through shot and recover the animal. If it is a legal animal you should not have to answer to anyone other than your own conscience. Take it easy on yourself and do not let the deer porn ruin the experience for you.
Luck is where preparation meets opportunity. Practice and be patient, you will know when the right shot presents it's self

[hunt4fun]

Your first deer will be an incredible thrill no matter what it is.  You won't regret it, and you definitely won't forget it. 
 

[mah712rn]

First Thanks everyone. Seems like a concensus, take the good ethical shot regardless of sex or bone for now. I really appreciate the input. I was talking to my boss tonight, an avid hunter, and told him the above story and he agrees with all of you. Enjoy the hunt, Enjoy the bounty, anything else just makes this great experience better. I have to tell you I may not of harvested anything yet but just being out there in the morning with the sun coming up, listening to a distant turkey is the absolute reason I wanted to do this and have enjoyed my time in the stand so far. I know I'm hooked for life and cant wait to take my son out.