I agree with everyone else... I'm 58 yrs old, been hunting for over 40yrs and still get very excited ... even at the sound of deer approaching before I even see them. I'm not talking about getting the "shakes"... but my heart sure starts to pound. It's that thrill that gets me out of bed at 3:30am on bitter cold windy days...Plus things happen that you can't control... sometimes everything goes perfectly... other times it's just not your day. One thing that may help you is do what a few others suggested... practice shooting from an elevated position ... and also if you weargloves, hat and mask hunting... they wear them occassionally when you practice to get the "feel"for your anchor point through the mask and also to make sure your hat and golves don't interfere with anything. Remove as many "thought" variables as you can before you ever pull back on a deer.

Ive been at this for 20+ years. I remember those days. I noticed I screwed up because I was rushing things. I fixed my problems by slowing down. Its amazing how much difference just a few sec. or even a min. can make. Some times you have to stike while theiron is hot without thinking (Like the Pink Floyd lyric there). Other times you need to wait a considerable amount of time. it all comes with practice and making the mistakes you speak of. Another suggestion, practice like you hunt. If you can get a 3d, it makes the world of difference.

Thanks for all of the replies and advice. That's why I posted on here, there is more knowledge and personal experience floating around this website than I could find in a book. Thanks again and happy hunting.