If I answer that truthfully, the ethics posse will tear me to shreads. I decline to answer. In this case, I did flat out know, it was crystal clear as the deer squated to light out. I was in a friends old gun stand that was 7 feet off the ground. The deer may have been 8 or 10 feet off the arrow when I released.I was seated. That deer I would do it the same way. Took a few minutes to collect myself, checked the arrow and went to get my friend who was 250 yards away in one of my stands. That all took 30 minutes. The only deer I usually will not follow within10-15 minutes is one I have no idea about the hit, rare indeed. The other, is when I know it was a bad hit. Again, a real rare deal I think. Really, most of my deer fall within sight or at most within 75-80 yards. They're dead within seconds. I did jump the gun once but with plenty of day light I proceeded. The hit wasn't what I though, but I kept going. I jumped the deer twice, the last time 500 yards from where I started. I saw him fall 125 yards away on the next ridge. I sat there until the last bit of light watching him with my binos. I finally saw the tail quiver and he never raised his head after that. When I got to him he was dead and it was dark. I believe in doing what you're comfortable with. I don't subscribe to all the talk of wait an hour and all that. That's just wasted daylight to me. If your tracking skills are not up to the task, by all means wait. I've never just walked out of the woods and said, "I'll come back tomorrow". I'll at least pursue real slow and quiet for 75 to 100 yards. But hey, that's me. Yes, after 35 years I do what I'm comfortable with.