Let's see if I can explain this.

Imagine you walk into a dark room and someone is standing(you don't know is there) behind the door. They yell "BOO!"

What do you do? You jump back automatically because you didn't know they were there and got caught bit surprised.


Now imagine you walk into a large gymnasium that has the lights out. From across the gymnasium floor, on the other side, someone yells "BOO!"

How do you react now?

Will you jump?

Probably not but then again you just might depending on your mood.

Maybe you feel like you aren't supposed to be there. Maybe you are a little spooked and not sure if there is an intruder.

Under certain circumstances you just might jump, even if the prankster is at a distance, depending on you mood.

This is how it works with deer.

If they are at a distance and relaxed when you shoot, there is a good chance they won't jump.

Now, if they are keyed up or nervous about something, they will probably jump.