Amazing story. I totally believe you. With deer, as with most of life, you don't rule anything out, don't take anything for granted.

My brother shot a big doe with his 30-06 a couple years ago. 40 yard shot, broadside or quartering, definitely a solid hit, the deer spun and staggered, stood with legs splayed and head lowered. He then hit her again, this time quartering away, she bolted about 40 yards and went down. He waited about 15 minutes to approach the deer, it was mid afternoon and there was no rush. It got up and bolted away. I showed up a half hour later, we trailed it and jumped it again, had to shoot it again.