I couldn't read all the posts, and doubt many will get to mine. But I would let the deer go. I hunt on public land and while I have had good luck and everyone has been decent, I can believe that there are people out there who would strongarm your deer from you. I'd let it go and pray they didn't kill me just for kicks. I'm 6'2" 210lbs. I work out regularly, have a law enforcement and military back ground. it's a deer, not a child. if you come into my home and try to rob me, that's different. Not sure why, but to me it is. Also I think the legal trouble you would face, killing someone over a deer would be tremendous. I'll cross my fingers that this never happens to me.