Quite a few years ago I hit a doe on the road near town. I went into town and found a game warden at the cafe and asked him about taking the deer. He said go ahead but I probably won't like what I see when I butcher it. He was right it was a blood shot mess and I ended up throwing it away.
This is true. I have had the good fortune of cleaning 2 that where hit in the head. Very clean.
If they're hit in the head, there is no issue about the meat. I hit a black heifer in the head once, and we strung her up and butchered her. Packer wouldn't take her dead, the owner couldn't be identified, but she sure was some good beef. If I had to hit one in the head and pay the deductible on my auto policy, I'd rather hit a steer or heifer weighing about 500-600 pounds. LOL
JJ