There are many mistakes you'll make when you begin hunting. It's natural to make mistakes as you start something new. Even experienced hunters make mistakes now and then. The point is to learn from your mistakes and move on, wiser for the experience. There is one mistake that rookies and experienced hunters make, however that can mean the difference between life and death, or at least, going home with a freezer full of venison or spending several hours tracking an injured animal, only to lose it for good.



Admiring the shot is a mistake that many hunters make, no matter if they are beginners or experienced. What this means is after they take their shot, they take the time to watch what happened rather than preparing a second shot. Hopefully, a second shot is not needed, but if it is, you need to have it ready right away. By the time you've watched what happened, then set up another shot, the animal could be injured but long gone, and your opportunity to drop the animal with the second shot has disappeared.

It's natural to want to see what is going on after taking a shot, but to be prepared in case you need that second shot, you really need to concentrate on lining it up. Without that second shot, you may be spending the next several hours trying to track your injured deer, and you may still lose it in the woods.

Sooner or later, everyone messes up their first shot. Maybe it only wings the target, maybe the shot injures the animal, but not enough to be fatal. The best remedy is to be prepared with that second shot. You never know when that second shot will be as important as the first shot.

You can still watch what happens through your sight. If the animal drops after a few steps or even several yards, by all means, don't shoot again. There is no reason to put more holes in your target when the first one did the job. But missing that second shot when it is needed is a terrible mistake. For medium-sized, non-dangerous game like most deer species, be prepared for that second shot just in case.

If you are hunting large or dangerous game, hesitating to admire your shot can be dangerous or even deadly. If your target is still standing after your first shot, shoot again. If your target is dangerous, like a bear or an African big game animal, shoot a second time no matter what. Approach the downed animal with caution. If you can approach it from the rear, all the better. It will give you a better vantage point if you need to do a third shot. No matter what size your target is, if you are in doubt, shoot again to be sure.

Like anything else pertaining to hunting, you can practice lining up your second shot. By practicing, you will be less likely to stop and admire your first shot when you need that second shot most. The sign of an excellent hunter is always being prepared to bag his target. Practicing this skill will get you to that level more quickly.