RE: I think I did the right thing.
You absolutely did the right thing. I have passed on a lot of deer over the years that I just didn't feel comfortable with the shot. Sometimes I just get this 'gut' feel that the shot isn't right and I put the gun down. I always go with that gut feel when I get it. I would much rather let a deer walk, than injure one and not be able to find it, or have it suffer because I ignored my instincts. Also, 5:30? When is legal shooting over in NC? In NY, 5:30 is almost an hour past legal shooting hours.