Not that it wouldn't kill the deer but it just leaves more room for problems. Deer have been known to live with one lung and even if they don't, they can go a long way on one lung and the greater distancea deer goes from the point of impact the lesser the chances of recovery. Anyhow if you are facing a straight down shot, then it's hard for me to believe that the deer didn't offer a broadside shot before it got under the stand and even harder for me to believe that it won't offer a broadside leaving from beneath the stand.