Hundreds of moons ago, when I was sixteen and very inexperienced, I shot my first buck (shotgun) and managed to shoot the only 5 shells I brought with me (I still can't believe it takes more then that many to kill one deer). The buck was still alive and dragging itself. I couldn't just sit there and watch it, so I grabbed one antler, stood behind it, and cut it's throat. Looking back on it, I realize it was dangerous, but I'm sure I'll do it again if ever presented with that situation. However, if I have amo or an arrow, I'm shooting first.