First time pinching question

I pinched mylodgepole about 2 weeks ago
Needles were starting to separate however was still green through the middle.
I noticed after I pinched I got sap that can through to the center of the bud.
Is that normal?
Or was it to late and did I kill the tip?
Seemed odd that the tree needles were separating 2 weeks ago in May

Picture for reference

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Picture was taking several days after.

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