It take alot of guts to come out and admit you were wrong. Its good that you are learning from your mistakes. You said you've gun hunted before and are new to bow hunting. So I will say this. Treat a bow at full draw like a loaded gun. Don't point it at anything you do not intend to shoot. You can notbust bullets through brush to kill deer, and arrows are no different. If a deers out of range with a rifle you don't go flinging lead hopeing for a hit. Many rifle hunters take this approach and usually they either miss or wound game. Half of them probably don't even know or care they wounded it. If your not 100% positive your going to make a good clean ethical shot then don't take it. Anyways glad your learning and hope you get your deer.