there are hundreds of subleties in deer hunting just as anything...subtleties make the difference...i have been hunting since the sixties and am still learning...as far as when to get down after a shot?? it varies for a lot of reasons...if u KNOW u made a good shot, and it's getting dark fast,,then maybe get down immediately..i'd give it a few minutes anyway..have a good headlamp....but the best tip in all of deer hunting history is to build a little pinestraw fire and smoke the s#$@T out of yourself just before going out