Like the idea of spikes bring genetically inferior. Just an old wives tale
While this is a whitetail from dr. Alshmiers research it is a decent comparison.
Buck at 1 1/2 years
Oh and before anyone thinks that I’m advocating that you let spikes walk to let them grow let it be known I’m all for shooting what makes you happy. Me I’m happiest with a freezer full of meat.
I did read alsheimers book but wasn’t sure if it was only whitetail not mule deer. As I was scouting for next year this fall looking at some of the probably two year old deer were a bunch of slick two’s didn’t know if was wasting time with the area or not
I guess I’m out of touch with hunting terms. Lol I’ve never heard of a two point with no eye guards as “slick”. Guess it depends on where you are from. I did grow up calling does “slick” or “onion heads”
The younger class deer 1.5-2 year old bucks. I figure a 28 mature slick is just lucky enough to get a reprieve and die of old age hoping the younger don’t suffer the same fate
As for the OPs original question, my answer would be no.
This buck below is a minimum 4.5 years old. I have picture since 2018 of him. He lives i an area with little pressure and great feed. But he has an injury (or deformity idk) and has had it for 3 years at least. Makes him walk sideways like a crab. His horns have been the exact same configuration each year with an eye guard on the right side and 2 points each.
This picture is recent. I haven't seen him person this season but last year he was chasing does during the rut.
His genetics...I don't know who is dad is obviously. But this ranch has #1 archery balcktail typical and #6 rifle nontypical in the books. Something is out of whack with him.