RE: Shortest distance to recover your deer?
I have had several drop where I shot them. My two most memerable was one time I had momma and her two little ones. I shot momma she dropped and the little ones stayed right there. I shot the first little one and he bolted with the other one right behind. About 5 mins later he came back so I shot him too.
Another time I had a little six point. I drilled him and he jumped when hit but then went right back to eating. He fell over about 30 secs or so later.