"much sooner than I'd take a 15 yard shot at an alert deer that's ready to "head for the hills".

NorthJeff, I think this is the main key to it all. I keep my shots under 20 yards,(just my personal comfort zone), but I would rather take a 20 yard shot at a calm deer, than a 10 yard shot at a spooked deer. I actually wont take a shot a deer that has me pegged. Just my thoughts.