I've never shot one but...."almost". I had taken my oldest son and two of his friends (all 12) for their first hunt (all were from my hunter ed class). At the end of 4 days, they had seen 454 deer and fired exactly ZERO shots.
Explanations/excuses were, "too far away", "moving", "he said it was too little", "couldn't get the gun loaded", "couldn't get the bullet out of my pocket", "where is it?", "which one". If any of you have taken complete rookies, you've heard most of the same explanations. They all boil down to inexperience.
Late in the afternoon of the last day, we were "headed out" on a two-track through the trees. My wife and I wife were in the cab of the pick-up, while all three hunters were in the back; going about 10 mph.
Suddenly...banging on the roof and urgent "stop", "there he is" and all of that. Literally 25 yards off the side of the trail, standing in the middle of a clearing is a BIG deer (heavy, 28" wide, good forks...probably about 180; it was VERY good deer).
We all jumped out.....nothing but silence for about 30 seconds. I REALLY wanted to shoot it but I can't shoot it "out from under" them. (I had time to uncase my gun, load a round and put the crosshairs on it...very patient deer.)
Nothing.
After it "got bored and left", I asked...."So, why didn't you shoot at THIS one". The two friends both said, "Chris saw it first, it was his deer"....OK, just like "the plan", because I didn't want 3 beginners to be racing to see who got to shoot first (VERY GOOD GUYS).
I turned to my son (who was still down on one knee aiming at where the deer had been) and asked, "why didn't YOU shoot".
The (oft-repeated) answer: "I was going to......but I was afraid I'd miss and you guys would all laugh"........to which everyone DID......and still do!
Closest I've come to a big deer from the road. I've walked plenty of "empty" miles up and down the mountains. If/when a big one commits suicide near the road, I'll certainly shoot him.
Within the shadows, go quietly.