" I was trailing a wounded deer"
This is probably the most frequent reason heard by GW's to be late from the woods. The first one to be used by a poacher. If a GW is not sceptical of this and simply lets all who use it an unqualified pass, he is not doing his job. And would open the gates for anyone who wished to be a highly succesful late afternoon and early evening hunter.

Perfect case of a law needed because of those who would abuse the right to track to completion with a weapon after dark - the actions of a few dictate to the rest.

No way is this a take on DD's actions - just my opinion on why the laws are what they are.

Steve