I wouldn't say "common", but it's not abnormal. Deer bed down wherever they feel safe. A buddy once spotted a big buck bedded down in an open field whilst being surrounded by higher elevations and thickets.

My bud had to examine "why" the buck was there. After reflecting, we came to the conclusion that ALL the hunters were hunting the edges and higher elevated thickets. This virtually left the open field.... well, open. LOL! He did notice that the exact spot the buck was bedded was about 1ft. taller than the surrounding areas. This gave him a visual advantage when he lifted his head, but was still low enough in the tall grass to be hidden while laying down.

The buck got busted because my buddy was walking across the large open area to get to the other side and came up on the blind side along with having the wind in his favor.

iSnipe