Update:

Upon close inspection while skinning/quartering, I have concluded by the ballistic evidence that the shot was intentional. The slug entered in the left nostril and exited the left jaw. If it were the other way around, enter jaw and exit snout, then the whole shout would be blown off. Instead, the slug entered as stated, expanding, and creating more and more damage as it passed. This means the hunter was very likely in a treestand or up on a hillshooting down at this deer that had its head turned to the right. Turned to the right because if it wasn't turned, the slug would've went straight into the deer taking out the top of the left shoulder. This also obviously means that the deer wasn't running away from the hunter but instead approaching. That being the case, there is more of a likelihood that it was un-alert and a more carefully placed shot was indeed possible.

Inspector HTH