1) Stick to the basics- Know your gun, maintian it, practice with it, never lean it against anything.
2) Trust your compass
3)Dont ever feel you have to shoot. A fudged shot- off hand, off side, through brush, etc. usually results in a wounded animal.
4) A hunting partner that feels he needs a beer while hunting needs to be left in the car.
5)A hunting knife is only used on game animals. If the most important thing a hunter needs to carry is a knife, the 2nd thing is a stone for it.
6) Leave the electronic toys at home. Chances are, worrying about the toys you left something you needed (like matches and a firestarter, or water bottle) at home.
7) One of the few things you can assume: The "other" hunter you see does not see you.
8)Always empty the gun before climbing the stand.
9) Always check the chamber once you are in the stand
10)Have a spare key to the vehicle where you can get to it.
11) Treat each shot as if it is the last bullet you have.