I'd say most would probably shoot. I know myself and I know people in general, most people will push the limits of every law out there. Most would hope the buck would turn after being shot and cross the creek but that won't happen. The buck would just either drop there or run off into the trees. I asked myself the question and thought if I did that would I do it over and over until i'm caught. Is one animal worth a lifetime of hunting rights lost?

The answer is no, not if you like to hunt. I see great big monster elk and deer after season and I'm not a poacher because I've been presented with the opportunity to kill monster animals but I can't brag about them nor could I feel good knowing I cheated at the game. Playing hunting chess by all the rules is what makes it a hunt. If it were not for the rules it would be simply shooting to me. I can do that at the range any day of the week. So to me it's all the rules and what if's that make hunting a sport and a challenge.

Meat can be bought at the grocery store.
A nice rack can be acquired from hunting high fenced area's.

So I think it's the game of ethics that gives honest hunters bragging rights.