For bowhunters, opening day feels like Christmas morning. Months of preparation finally give way to that first sit in the tree. But with all the excitement usually comes a wide range of mistakes made; mistakes that can ruin a hunt as quick as it started, or at the very least, make for a miserable few hours in the tree.
Think about it. The mistakes we’re talking about here are usually simple and silly things, yet things that can have a big impact on our time in the tree and the potential success that follows.
Don’t let this be you this season!
Here are the top mistakes bowhunters make on opening day—and how to avoid them.
Forgetting Face Mask or Gloves
It doesn’t take much movement to catch a deer’s eye, especially in early season when foliage is still thick, and deer are on edge.
Bare hands and a shiny face can stand out like a neon sign in the woods. A lightweight face mask and gloves not only help conceal movement but also cut down on scent transfer.
Pack extras in your bag—you’ll thank yourself later.
The other option is to pack some face paint – if you’re willing to run the risk of looking like Todd Graf or Justin Zarr.
Leaving the Release in the Truck
Every bowhunter has felt that sickening panic of climbing into the stand only to realize their release is sitting in the cup holder. Without it, your hunt is over before it begins. I honestly have nightmares every season about this very thing happening over and over.
What’s the fix? Always strap it to your bow. Make it part of your pre-hunt ritual. Keep a spare in your pack, and always check before leaving the truck.
No Thermacell in Bug Season
In many states, bow season opens while mosquitoes are still thick. Forgetting a Thermacell can turn a peaceful sit into a miserable experience.
Swatting at bugs not only gives away your position but also makes it nearly impossible to stay still. A charged Thermacell or a backup canister of fuel should be a non-negotiable item in your early-season kit.
Failing to Trim Shooting Lanes
Few things are more frustrating than finally drawing on a deer only to have your arrow deflect off a limb you “thought you could shoot around.”
Shooting lanes need to be cleared before season, not during. A little preseason prep with a pole saw ensures you’ll have open windows when it counts.
Forgetting a Bow Hanger
Trying to balance your bow on your lap for hours is uncomfortable—and risky. Many opening-day hunters forget a bow hanger or pack hook, which leads to unnecessary movement when a deer finally shows up.
Keep a screw-in hook or strap-on hanger in your bag year-round. It keeps your bow accessible and your hands free.
Not Checking Treestands Ahead of Time
Opening day is not the time to discover that a ratchet strap has rotted, a wasp nest has taken over your seat, or poison ivy is crawling up the tree.
Safety should always come first. Inspect stands and sticks well before season to ensure they’re secure, safe, and free from hazards.
Rushing the Shot
Opening day jitters and rushed shots result in blown opportunities for bowhunters every season. After a long summer of anticipation, it’s easy to draw too soon, settle too quickly, and release an arrow without the proper patience.
Slow down. Pick a spot. Wait for the right angle. Opening day deer are no less alert than late-season ones—take the shot you know you can make.
Not Controlling Buck Fever
Even seasoned bowhunters can fall victim to buck fever when that first deer steps into range. Shaking hands, racing heart, and tunnel vision can all wreck a good shot.
Practice shooting under pressure, and develop a mental checklist to keep calm in the stand.
Breathing techniques and focusing on one step at a time—draw, anchor, aim, release—go a long way toward settling nerves.
Forgetting to Reset a Slider Sight
One of the most overlooked mistakes comes from hunters using adjustable slider sights.
After summer practice sessions at long range, many hunters leave their sight set at 60 or 80 yards.
On opening day, when a deer shows up at 20, the shot is all but guaranteed to miss.
Always reset your slider to a close “default” yardage before each hunt.
Final Thoughts
Opening day only comes once a year, and mistakes in preparation or execution can cost you the opportunity you’ve been waiting months for.
With a little preseason planning and a careful checklist, you can avoid these common pitfalls.
Keep safety first, gear organized, and your mind calm—and your chances of punching an early-season tag will rise dramatically.
