I had a very similar experience this morning when a nice 8 point came up. It took a while for me to see his body mass...when I did it was too late. I thought S**t I should have taken him. A buddy of mine said....the best way to measure a deer is on the ground...but followed up with..you did the right thing. He will be there again...maybe...I hunt on public only so that is a big maybe.....