RE: Need help!! Shot deer and back legs kicked high?
The mule kicks is either a vital hit (often the heart produces such a reaction but have seen them do this with other vital organs) or a flat out miss. Gut shot don't think so, they usually hunch but if they fail to do this they run with their heads straight out and look....well sick. I also have never seen a gut shot deer stop that didn't lay down or hunch up noticably...they usually run to cover at good clip when get punched in the guts. The fact he stopped means nothing IME, seen it go both ways. Same with tail position, it can go either way.
You did the right thing backing off till daylight. Tramping around in the dark clueless does no good and can taint anysign you might have to go on. Wait till it is good and light start at where you shot, follow that to where you saw him stop and enter the woods. I would walk the edge of the field/woods if your not 100% to the exact location, looking for any sign. Miscalculations happen easily so take your time!
Good Luck