Happened to me last year. Had a ton of pics on a narrow tall 10 during past couple summers. First thing morning of Dec 2, I hit the rattling horns & he comes charging in before I get them laid down which was exciting in itself. We have a 2 out 4 criteria that has to be met and I knew the deer, and had no doubt that he'd make base diameter of 4.5" & beam length of 19.5". Knew he wouldn't make 175# or 16" inside though. He did make base but missed beam by 1.5".
If a deer doesn't make minimum, then it counts as a 2 for 1 and your done on bucks for year. You do however have the option of sending teeth in for testing if you feel like it's at least 4.5yrs. You can't kill another buck until results are in. I sent teeth off and during the waiting period I'm doe hunting and have to pass on this buck at 20 yards.
Teeth results came in at 4.5 and hunted the above buck rest of season to no avail. I flat just got caught up in the moment of him charging in and me predetermining that he'd measure. Guess what buck I'm hunting this year ?
If you do this stuff long enough, it's going to happen no matter how seasoned a hunter you are. Learn from it & roll on.