ORIGINAL: Thundergut

Perhaps, in thier minds, they found a deer that someone had given up on. Perhaps the deer was still alive when they came upon it. They put it out, tagged it, and took the deer home.

As far as I am concerned, the only time a deer can be "stolen" is when someone physically takes it from your posession. Therein lies the key. If the deer is not in your posession, it is not your deer.

It is unfortunate that your brother did not hit the deer well. I commend you on spending the time to find it. Unfortunately, someone else found it first.