That must be it. I've had a few actually flinch real good with a complete pass through with scary sharp broadhead, and then go right back to eating, only to start wobbling and fall over a few seconds later. An alert deer does seem to go further than 1 not alarmed. I've learned to read body language before shooting. I've noticed something else too-am I the only that's firmly convinced that a deer that was scared/excited don't taste as good as 1 that wasn't run hard? That's 1 reason I'd never shoot 1 that was ran from beaters on a drive or chased by dogs.