First off, congratulations on the deer. There is no shame in the manner you were able to get a shot at this deer. In fact I commend you for being able to take the wounded animal out of the woods. Had I been in the same situation, I would have shot the deer and never felt bad once. In fact I would have been over joyed at the fact I got a nice deer, and the animal was not forced to spend a long hard winter because of me. Also you have a very special wife there, who saw a situation and reacted in a positive manner.

You never mentioned what kind of rifle you have or what kind of load you were shooting. If you were upset over the fact that it was not an instant kill on the deer, then thats easy. Get out there and shoot some more. All the better reason to play with the rifle. And practice makes it all that much more easy the next time.

Again, good job and nice deer.