I have had that happen too - three times! Shoot deer. Deer runs. Deer dies in the creek! First time it happened it was on Thanksgiving Day a few years back. The creek was frozen over. I was lucky that I could reach the hind hoof without going over the boot. COLDEST deer I ever field dressed! Something you do not forget for a long time. Glad you got the deer. Good luck skinning - it remains cold and wet for a long time.