Practice.....from the ground and from a tree stand. Study the deer anatomy so you uderstand where to hit and why. Use a 'deer' target if one is available...it will help you understand where to shoot to hit the vitals and how to avoid the shoulder blade ( Practice shooting to avoid the shoulder blade....the arrow will seldom pass through the shoulder blade...I emphasize this as last year was my first year, and I lost one because I hit the shoulder blade)
- When in a tree stand, you need to visualize where you want the arrow to exit the deer, and aim for a spot to make this exit wound happen (above the planned exit wound), otherwise your shot will be too low.
- stay alert in the tree stand, for the deer will appear when you are least expecting them.
- Wait for a real good shot....there are few worse feelings then wounding a deer that you can't recover.
- If you do take a bad shot and can not recover the deer, learn from your mistake. It happens to most bowhunters atleast once.
- Enjoy the nature around you as you wait for the deer to arrive:-)