This is going to sound like a smart-aleck response - but, here's how I've had the most success.

1. Hunt where there are a lot of deer (most important) - it sounds obvious, but I swear I've know people that bow hunt like crazy on property that's just doesn't have a large deer population and get frustrated during bow season when they only see a couple of deer that are out of range. Then when gun season starts, they still only see a couple of deer - but, the deer are in range, so they feel better about it.
2. Hunt where there is a lot of sign of where deer travel.
3. Hunt where there is a lot of natural forage for the deer to eat (skip the food plot hunting).
4. I'm going to disagree with Matt Brock, I hunt where the longest shot possible is the longest shot you would take with a bow. I never bow hunt where I have longer rifle shots - it's just one of those things. I do rifle hunt where I bow hunt, though.
5. Stay awake and standing/leaning the entire time you are hunting - if you follow #4 you won't be startled by a deer sneaking through the woods.
6. Keep the bow in your hand with the arrow nocked and the release attached. Makes for some tired hands - but, reduces movements.
7. Hunt out of a climber as high as you can stand to climb and wear your safety harness.


"The struggle you're in today, is developing the strength you need for tomorrow."