Young man you are on the right track! By passing a shot that you thought was questionable, you demonstrated maturity and judgement that will make you an excellent hunter. I've been bowhunting for 24 years, starting when I was 12 and taking my first deer, a small buck, at 14. I've killed too many deer to remember over that span, but I can tell you this, I think you are already ahead of where I was at your age. Deer are on your way, but you are already a sucessful bowhunter. The appreciation of the experience itself is something that a lot of hunters take much longer to grasp, if ever. I came from a hunting family (in Michigan) but no one bowhunted. I learned alot from reading everything I could and attending shows and seminars. I just wish the internet was avalable back then. My advice to you is simple, HUNT and HUNT ALOT! Go out every chance you can. If it's cold, hunt for an hour, if it's raining hunt till you're soaked, if it's windy, walk the corn. Don't get caught up in the gadgetry of it all! You don't have to have $1000 worth of equipment to bowhunt. If the equipment you have is tuned and you shoot it well, stick with it. Spend more time on becoming a better hunter than a better archer at first. You don't have to be an expert shot if you consistently get deer 20 yards or closer. In my opinion, learning to become a competent archer can be done in a short time with good instruction and practice. A retired friend of mine bought his first bow two months ago, he is shooting 4" groups at 20 yards, but he's never been in a stand with a bow. Becoming a good hunter can take a lifetime, there are just so many variables. Well, I've probalby bored you to death, I just am pleased to see young people getting into the sport and I wanted to comment on how well you're doing. Tubes77