Congrats to the both of you. I'd certainly take a little credit for that 7 pt if I were you, you don't know if he'd have ever been found if you hadn't shot him again. Shooting at an already wounded buck its alright to force one thru lots of brush. You may however want to reconsider that shot on a deer not injured.

I think shooting any buck for your first, or even first few is alright, but then you may want to try holding out for a nicer one. A lot depends on your situation. best of luck to you both.