My opinion, In order of importance.

1) Read Read Read.
This is a great place to learn. Alot of knowledge here if you spend the time. Also pick up some books on Deer. There are alot of good reads explaining everything from anatomy of the animals to the rut phases and even feeding cycles.

2) Scouting,
I scout 365 days a year, I live where I hunt so I have that advantage, But it is KEY that you know where and WHY the deer are where they are even when it's not hunting season.

3) Be proficiant in shooting.
3D tournements. Perfect way to field judge distances ad get put into real life situatiions that you dont get at the indoor ranges.

4) Stand placement
Setup more than one stand per browsing area so you can play the wind and have options. If the wind is not right, dont force a hunt. May try hunting natural funnels and bottlenecks, and cruising trails that cut through smaller trail that are used by doesto and from feeding to beddingduring pre-rut and rut and hunting near food sources early season and late season.

5)Patience.
I took me 5 years and 267 times out bow hunting before i even got to draw on a shooter buck. It don't happen overnight.

My 2 cents.

Good Luck

BB

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