Another valuable tool for water-hole hunters is a trail camera, which allows you to track exactly what time animals are coming to the water, and precisely where they're drinking. Knowing this, you can erect the blind or stand accordingly.

BOW TIPS
Whether hunting aggressively or passively, there are three important tips all hunters should live by. No matter what hunting situation you find yourself in, these three points will only improve your chances of success.

Tip No. 8: THE WIND
The wind could be a bowhunter's worst enemy or best friend. Over the years, I've had changing winds blow more opportunities at elk than I can count. At the same time, a good breeze has allowed me to stealth within 20 yards of pronghorns bedded in the wide open, and deer tucked tight against cover.

If an elk smells you, it's over -- period. The same with deer. Pronghorns can be a bit more forgiving, since they rely on sight as their main sensory device. If you find yourself in a situation where the wind is unfavorable, back out. If the wind changes midway through a stalk or calling session, get out of there and come back another day.

It makes no difference how good a stalk you have going, or how authentic your calls sound. If an animal approaches, then catches wind and spooks, that's just one more animal that's been educated.

Tip No. 9: PRACTICE
Every season, I hear stories of hunters getting shots at 10, 12 or more deer that season. It's great that all those opportunities come. But when the season starts, plan on taking only one shot and making it count.

Multiple-shot hunters are usually those who haven't practiced. They set their bow aside at the end of one season, and don't pick it up again until a few days before the new opener.

I spend a good deal of time in bow pro shops, and am amazed at the number of people who come in to purchase a bow only days before the season. Consistently shooting a bow with accuracy takes practice -- year-round practice for most people. Do yourself (and the animals) a favor, and practice year 'round, at least twice a week. And in the field, you'll be amazed at how automatic and accurate your shots become.

Have a rangefinder, and use it. It will make a huge difference when it comes time to make the shot. The new rangefinders with built in angle range compensation, are perfect for shooting in the rugged West.

Tip No. 10: KNOW WHEN TO SHOOTM
The more time you spend in the woods, the more you'll learn about animal behavior. No matter what your hunting style or approach, deciding when you should take that one shot comes down to evaluating the animal's behavior.

A relaxed animal that's unaware of your presence makes the perfect target. An animal that's nervous and knows you're there can flinch at the shot. At the same time, a rut-crazed bull or decoying pronghorn may well see you, but its aggressive nature keeps it standing still enough for a shot.

Before letting any arrow fly, observe the animal and note its behavior. It's better to leave off, hoping for a better shot, than to chance a miss or worse yet, crippling an animal. You'll know when all comes together and it's time to take the shot -- everything will feel just right.

Once you develop a disciplined approach and your hunting repertoire expands, you'll be amazed at how your success rates climb.