I don't think I had to learn the hard way about the strap being too short for the draw, but it is one of the things I check first to make sure it doesn't happen to me! You're not the first one that has had the ol' safety strap save a deer. LOL!
At least you've had fun being out there. Don't know about others, but the kill is only a small part of the aspect of hunting for me. Yeah, I'm bummed big time when stuff like that happens to me, however, I get out there immediately... kinda like getting back on the horse and I continue to have things happen, good and bad. It's all part of the game! Sometimes you lose and sometimes you lose again. LOL!
You're putting yourself in position for a bow shot, so you are doing something right. I have no doubt you'll get what you're looking for come muzzleloader season.
iSnipe