I had a post on this very same thing a while back. I call it the Jackie Bushman courtesy poke. I've killed my share of deer and have yet to walk up on one playing possum. All of the deer that I've perosonally walked up on that were still alive either got up and ran before I got to them or were to close to death to get up. Bottom line is if the deer is still alive you're going to be able to tell long before you get to within poking distants. JMHO