I think there are likely three types of hunters in this world.

1. People who've experienced something similar to your situation.
2. People who've done so, but won't admit it.
&
3. People who've not had enough opportunities, YET.

I'm sorry this happend to you. I lnow exactly how you feel, but can find nothing wrong with your scenario, as described. Only YOU can determine how much you feel like you should do to try to recover this deer....if the evidence before you tells you he's dead.

I don't have anything else to say, except...I'm sorry it went down like this. Good luck the rest of your season.