I thought the assumption here was that you didn't have a firearm? If I had a firearm I would certainly shoot it.

Never aproach a deer near thier feet, especially the front ones. This is how they fight and defend themselves. The will use thier feet before thier horns most of the time. Like I said, I aproach the deer from from the opposite side of it's feet towards the back end. This way if it gets up it will just run away. If it doesn't get up it most likely isn't going to do much. I'm sure there is always that chance though.

If you can poke it in the eye with a stick you can stab it. If it gets up and wheels around on me I would rather have a knife in my hand than a stick.

Your best bet would be to just wait it out though.

As far as carrying a weapon when I'm not allowed to, I wouldn't do it. I like to think I'm as compassionate as the next guy, but I am not going to jail or paying a huge fine for an animal I was going to kill anyway.

Just my opinion though.

Paul