No more taking shots you have not practiced.

Use proper equipment. I hit a buck in the shoulder a few years ago. I watched the arrow hit and bounce straight back out. I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't watch it myself.

Through this forum I realized I was probably using a bad combination of equipment.

You need to practice. Allot. You need to practice field shots at the ranges you will be hunting. This means that shooting off a rest in the backyard doesn't cut it. Because you're probably not shooting off a rest set up that way in the field. So make your practice reflect your hunting conditions.

Don't take risky shots. As a new hunter this can be tough. It's easy to talk yourself into "trying" a shot. Don't try a shot. Be patient and take shots you know that you can make.

Good luck

-Jake