WIND, know it, respect and use it to your advantage. Whitetails default to their nose if they get a wiff you canwatch theflag waving bye bye! Spent lots of time knowing your equipment, hunting grounds and animals. Preperation has been my biggest contributor to success with all game animals. I spent far less time hunting then getting ready to hunt and while hunting i am continuely scouting looking for spots within the spot. Experience, it is great to read or research stuff, whichwill surely help, but nothing equals actual hands on time. Hunting is no different then any other sport, hobby, etc the more you do the better you become!

Like already said hooking up with a mentor in your area is a great way to learn.