RE: How confident with your rifle...
I agree that the sometimes it is the hunter...more often than not. Pull just a little, gust of wind at 200+ yards. That will put anyone's shot off. Confidence in yourself and your gun have a lot to do with it. Your rifle should feel like it's a third arm when you are carrying it. I also agree with the timing issue. If you honestly don't think that you can kill the deer at a longer distance, try stalking it. Get up close enough to where you feel comfortable. When you feel comfortable enough, then take the shot....not before.