Finaddict,
You have the right attitude and eventually it'll all come together. It's nice to bring home game, but it's not what makes the hunt. One of my favorite hunts was in Nebraska, bowhunting mule deer with my cousin. We came close but came home empty handed.
You stated this was only your 2nd season big game hunting. My 1st love is my blackpowder guns, but with the longer bow seasons a person can learn so much more. Have you ever thought of bowhunting?
Keep it in the 10X,
ENCOREMAN