I would recommend having your buddy who shot the deer first approach the guy who found the deer alone. He could then ask to see the buck to check if it is the same deer he had shot and they could look at it together. The signs of a gut shot and a shoulder shot should be enough to verify the deer.

If he refuses, call PGC. If he says "what deer?", call PGC. If he shows him and it isn't full of arrow holes, it isn't your buddy's deer so he can let it sit in the woods if he wants.

Him going solo puts you out of the picture, and puts another guy between the boss and his employee who is your friend. For your buddy's sake, let the guy who took the shot do the dirty work.