Don't forget to mark the spot where you shot, with something visually, before you get down from your stand. In the excitement it's very easy to lose track of exactly where the animal was standing when you shot. This visual will help you locate your arrow quickly and assess any information from the arrow.

Last year I shot a doe and knew she was hit good. Got down couldn't find my arrow..Then I looked back at the stand and remembered..she was in front of the grass mound, not behind it. Found the arrow easy. She was 23 yards away..I knew she was down, but I always start at the place of impact. It's good practice.

Simple reminder to an already great post!