When I get my computer back out I’ll see if I can locate the two articles. In the meantime what data do you have to support your theory? How many 3.5 and older spikes have you seen in either pics or person? It happens but it’s kinda rare. Most of the bucks you are calling 2 year olds are actually 1.5 and sporting their first actual rack. We have several on our place that were buttons last year at 6 month old deer and range from spikes to 4 points this year and ONE that’s a small 6. It’s pretty much impossible to sit here and tell you next year the small 6 will be a larger buck than the spikes and 4s. There’s just too many variables involved, from food to injury to illness.

Some bucks are destined to be 140” deer but it might take 5-8 years. Some of the absolute best properties I’ve ever hunted were limited to killing bucks 6+, which is extremely difficult to do. But they kill some absolute giants on that property year in and year out. The biggest problem, aside of thinking you can alter genetics, is shooting good bucks when they are 3.5. I made this same mistake last year and I have really good trigger constraint. You shoot all your good up and comers and you will never kill a book buck. On the flip side if you are not interested in that then absolutely shoot what you want. Just don’t “think” you can judge genetics on young deer. It’s just not possible.