Things I've learned...
-scout for active sign all the time
-the other half of the ball game after shooting a deer is figuring shot placement and tracking blood. just cause you shot the deer it aint dead til you find it.
-preparation is key to success, so prep your food, gear, travel, route in the woods in advance
-figure out how you work in the woods, are you forgetful, impatient, always in a hurry, etc... if so preparation can help you overcome some of these things
-my preferable hunting spot is where there are multiple transitions coming into one. think of like 3 or 4 quadrants with all different types, example would be like thick cover, tall grass, hardwoods, pines, cattails etc.
-make sure you can ID poison sumac, ivy, and oak
-do your best to avoid ticks in the woods with permethrin
-some cameras will be stolen, it happens
-deer calls can be a game changer
-having the right gear for your hunting toolbox makes life easier in the woods. my examples would be a gear hoist for your bow and gear, platform, climbing sticks, carabiners v.s substituting it for just some paracord, top of climbing sticks, screw in steps/hangers
-have fun and be able to learn from others