This is a personal challenge for me. This is what I have found throughout my experiences. DSLR cameras are difficult to beat in this area. The larger zoom lenses work best for anything from bugs to moose.
Best Light. Early morning and late afternoon are best. But if you can get a glimpse of that big deer that jumps out of the woods and into your back yard , I say, point and shoot whenever you can.
Don't avoid overcast days cloudy conditions often produce better images than the harsh light of a sunny day.
Hunting blinds. I am amazed how close you can get to wildlife in a blind. Make sure to set up days before you are wanting to shoot pictures of the furry creatures. They get very use to it and it becomes part of the forest. However, this is where you will need patience. If so, your photos can be excellent.
Photos by water. Personally this is my favorite way to take pictures. Canoe or kayak work best. No motors, silent! You will have a better opportunity to get closer to the animals. I am not a pro but I love to take pictures. These are ideas and what I have found to get better photos.