RE: What mistakes/anecdotes do you have from your first time out?
The first time I went bowhunting I didn't see nothing. And the second time I went hunting I didn't see nothing. Same goes for the third time. But finally on the 4th trip out a nice young 8 point came walking by me....I was so nervous I rushed the shot and hit a bunch of limbs. The next year a doe walked up...I was still extremely nervous and once again rushed the shot missing the deer.
So my advice for you is take your time and concentrate on your shot. I was young and so pumped about seeing a deer in range that I forgot the basics.