ORIGINAL: Illinois Buck Hunter
2. NEVER lower your bow until the second you are ready to climb out of your stand.
This rule helped me out last year as I was able to get a shot off at a buck. I had already had my backpack on my back when the guy walked out into the field. This time my bow was ready and well yeah it didn't work out again then.....but one of these days I'm going to put one of these Illinois studsdown.
This is a good one, it is part of my routine.
It also works in reverse......
Once you are safely strapped into your stand, get your bow and release ready first and then unpack the rest of your gear.