Thread: Blooding the new toy...

Originally Posted by Rushy

Well done Josh and don't worry too much about not getting the spiker. he will be a trophy in a few years

Cheers mate. Yeah I know, but under the circumstances I prefer to risk shooting a spiker this time of year than a hind in calf, or worse at foot. We have spent the last 20 or so years trying to build the herd up, and try to keep tabs on ugly stags. It is difficult to do in the type of country it is, not to mention the ones that are shot unlawfully, but we have noticed definate improvement in general antler quality over the years which we suspect is from better animal selection and better feed quality from fertilising.

Originally Posted by JoshC

Cheers mate. Yeah I know, but under the circumstances I prefer to risk shooting a spiker this time of year than a hind in calf, or worse at foot. We have spent the last 20 or so years trying to build the herd up, and try to keep tabs on ugly stags. It is difficult to do in the type of country it is, not to mention the ones that are shot unlawfully, but we have noticed definate improvement in general antler quality over the years which we suspect is from better animal selection and better feed quality from fertilising.

A yearling hind is not likely to be in fawn but I understand and applaud your rationale.