In this situation as described I think the OP did the right thing however, we don't know the other hunters side of it. Was he going for help or did he give up, was he giving the deer time to expire?
There are so many variables when this type of situation comes up that one could only hope both parties are reasonable about what happened and who gets the animal. Although with the way hunting is going now days with less deer and elk I think we will see more "stealing" of animals by putting a finishing shot in them before the original shooter gets to the animal.
We know what the law says but every situation is slightly different that I don't think there can be a rule that is the final say for every scenario.
I think the law is written the way it is, Whoever kills the animal tags it, is because it is technically considered poaching if you kill an animal and don't tag it. Just like you can't shoot an animal for someone else and have them tag it. Again depends on the situation If I seen a wounded deer and put it down and the hunter showed up and gave it to the hunter I think that is the right thing to do. But to shoot animals and have a friend or family member tag it so you can keep hunting that is wrong.
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