The Annoyed Man wrote: Even if he was bow-hunting or using a muzzle-loader, why didn't he shoot it again? He didn't shoot it again—with an arrow or musket ball, either which would have been safer than using a knife—because he was stupid. Ergo, he died of stupidity.
I have bowhunted for a number of years. I have had to "finish-off" deer with either a broadhead or sidearm (depending on the season)...a knife never entering my contemplation stage.