I will agree that the range suggestions and the smaller calibers will help, but if you will do what I say on a deer you will never blow it again, the whole secret is discipline, you need to break it all down into steps and force yourself to do them.

1. Upon seeing the deer do nothing except take a deep breath and slowly exhale.
2. Decide if it is a shooter.
3. If it is then decide where you want to shoot the deer and take another breath.
4. Now slowly pull your gun to your shoulder and put the sights on the deer.
5. Now inhale slowly and settle the sights on the exact spot you want to hit the deer and slowly exhale.
6. Now inhale slowly and take the safety off and put your finger on the trigger.
7. Double check the sights are exactly on the SPOT you want to shoot the deer.
8. Slowly exhale as you slowly SQUEEZE the trigger maintaining your aim.
9. When the gun goes off it should be a total surprise to you if you are concentrating on the aim and the SLOW squeeze.


Step by step and self control will restore your confidence. Breathing is key also, but you must force your self to do the step by step, step 8 being the most important.