I think the only reason you might poke one, or I usually walk up to the butt and give it a little nudge with my foot, is because if the animal is going to thrash or try to get up, you want them to do it before you try to grab their leg to move them into field dressing or picture position, which could definately hurt. I saw another guy that just walked up and grabbed a leg and got his arm tore open for his trouble. As long as their eyes are open and glazed and no sign of life, they're probabaly dead. If eyes are closed...get ready.