No, you can collect the check from the insurance company and use it for whatever you like. The insurer will want to see the car and will tell you that if you do not have the damage repaired it will impact any future pay-outs for damage on that vehicle. They will take pictures, and that damage amount will be deducted from any future pay-outs for MVA's. If you hit a deer, you really should have someone check the damage beyond the insurance adjuster. You may have some serious damage that could cause a future accident. It is usually free to get an estimate and make sure your car is still safe. In California, you have the right to choose what shop does your repairs and are usually allowed up to 3 estimates.

A deer hit my brand new car in the rear panel and caused considerable damage. It left a 2" deep dent, broke the rear-light housing and cracked the paint. (The deer ran off up the mountain on three legs!) I did not report the claim as I did not want my rate to go up, which since I had hit a truck 6 months earlier, AND even though the deer hit me, I would pay more. I went to the dealership and they quoted me $1700.00 to fix the damage. I found another shop that would pound out the dent, bondo it and repaint to prevent rust, which kills cars. He had to order the rear light housing from the dealership, and the matching paint, but the bill was only 450.00 dollars, and looks as good as new.
Have a licensed mechanic check for hidden damage, and then choose what you do with the money.