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Spike buck1/24/2024 ![]() He grew into an eight-pointer that appeared to score around 85 Boone and Crockett. When this buck turned two his antlers were a far cry from what they would be at age six. This behavior amounted to approaching the bedded estrous doe and dominant breeding buck, hoping to tease the buck into chasing him. ![]() ![]() He also took part in breeding parties with other immature bucks. When November’s rut rolled around he often challenged the does he encountered. Most of his rubbing behavior occurred on brush and saplings less than an inch in size. His rubbing behavior was sporadic throughout the autumn months. Once he peeled velvet he began working licking branches made by other bucks but seldom pawed the ground beneath the branch. Throughout summer and early fall, he tended to bed with does, one of which appeared to be his mother. He exhibited typical yearling buck behavior when he grew his first set of antlers, in that he shied away from older bucks when encounters took place in prime feeding areas. In the area the buck lived there was a number of 2 and 3-year-old bucks and a few 4-year-olds. Once the buck reached 4 years of age, he began casting his antlers on nearly the same day each year. His largest set of antlers was grown in his 6 th year and measured 169 7/8” Boone and Crockett. Interestingly, this buck was only a 3-inch spike as a yearling. Consequently, I was able to follow him and document his comings and goings throughout the twelve years he lived. Unlike many of the deer on this particular property, the buck had a gentle disposition and never exhibited any aggressiveness toward me, even during the full-blown rut. This particular buck was one such animal. I’ve been able to imprint many whitetails on the sound of corn rattling in a plastic can. His home range featured a substantial predator population and received significant snowfall during the harsh winter months. Aside from protection from hunters, he had a normal life, complete with challenges from Mother Nature. The buck lived on an incredible piece of property in the Northeast that was off limits to hunting. Keep in mind that Scouts enrolled in any Spike Buck sessions are not eligible to participate in Life Scouting or other select merit badges.This series of photos documents the life of a particular whitetail buck I photographed over a 12 year period. A review here can put into practice the skills the Scouts have learned during the week. Leaders are encouraged to work with Spike Buck participants in the Troop's campsite. Likewise, a 14- or 15-year-old may be in his first summer at camp, but may be advanced enough to bypass this program in favor of merit badges. While a Second Class Scout may gain valuable skills in the program he may be better served in the merit badge program. Unit leaders should consider each Scout individually when deciding whether he should sign up for this program. How much each Scout completes is up to him or her, and it is very possible for two different Scouts will complete different requirements, and that some complete more than others. Each Scout will receive credit for those requirements he has completed toward the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class. The Camp Sidney Dew staff will do everything in its power to help each Scout become proficient in as many of the Scouting skills as possible. Unlike the merit badge program, it is impossible to come to camp and, in a week, complete all of the requirements for First Class. The Spike Buck staff will attempt to help Scouts master the basic skills for camping, first aid, rope work, map and compass work, and nature hiking. While designed primarily for Scouts who are new to the Scouting program, and generally those coming to summer camp for the first time, it is not limited to those Scouts. There are two programs available covering those skills that are required for advancement to the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class. Each Scout in the Spike Buck Program learns the basic skills that all Scouts must master to become proficient in camping and outdoor activities.
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