While not trying to be modest, I was put in a similar situation two years ago. I had a goal of topping the county record for either largest typical or nontypical buck for archery. I'm located in Douglas County, Wisconsin, you guys can look up the records if you want. I had two typical bucks that I was sure would pass, and one non-typical that I was sure would make it as well. I hunted hard for that NT. On about the 30th day in stand I had the opportunity to take a solid 130" nine point buck. Tempting as it was, I let him walk...knowing that the opportunity to take a world class deer was just around the corner. On day 40 I saw the buck I wanted at 60 yards. And that was as close as I ever got. A neighbor shot him only days after. My point is to do what you are most comfortable with. If you have a goal for yourself you should do whatever you can in your power to accomplish that goal. If your goal is to top that state record for #1 whitetail with archery equipment, I'd say do it now.