That's a great point about the first shot. I have developed a practice routine that has helped me a ton during hunting season.
Every morning at work, before I get going I get up in my practice stand with one arrow. Put on my full hunting clothes. Make everything as close to the real thing as possible. Sometimes I'll even hang my bow and sit and wait for 10 minutes or so. Then simulate the moment of a deer coming into range. Go through everything like it was the real deal. Stand up, clip on the release, draw back and shoot at the 3D. It's about as close as you can get. 1 arrow .........1 shot!! Mix up the location and yardage of your target everyday too. Then I get down and go to work.
This routine puts you in a mental state of having one crack at it. No more arrows in your quiver to correct the first shot. I also practice like everyone else where I shoot multiple arrows trying to improve my shooting skills and making adjustments. But that little thing I do in the morning I think has really helped prepare me for the moment of truth.
I think it's more of a mindset issue. You know you better make that arrow count. Nothing to fall back onto.
Same as in golf. For anyone that golfs, how many times have you or have you heard about how great you were hitting it on the driving range? Then they get to the golf course and are all over the lot. Reason being, it's too easy of a mental state of mind to sit there and whack 100 balls. Too repetitive with no pressure. Most people will just flare away and swing without even aiming and think they are hitting it great. Put a target in front of them on the course and narrow their vision and the brain takes on a whole new agenda.