RE: Single most important...
Hunt the wind, don't go in if the wind is going to be in your favor for the hunt. Found that out the hard way early this season. New the wind was wrong, hunted any way and blew an encounter with a wide-racked 10 at 40 yds. Over the years I have also learned that saving your best spots for the perfect time; i.e. saving that hot spot for when the bucks are in the seeking stage, making their rounds between doe bedding areas in the pre-rut. And don't over hunt your honey holes. Have 5 or 6 honey holes and rotate keeping one fresh at all times. But nothing is more magical than the first time in!