I don't believe the deer is standing in the first picture. I think it is laid out on the ground, and the guy with the camera is standing over it. Also, I think the tape is his tag.

If the deer was hit at very close range, quartering away, behind the left shoulder, and the bullet's path wasn't deep enough, then I would think a ballistic tip could do that.

I'm not convinced it is a bullet wound. But then again, I'm not convinced it isn't. I'd like to hear more details from the hunter before I make a conclusion.