I don't know if I fully understand "with the way deer hunting is going today" part of your post, but I think I can answer.

Yes. I believe it is because I have a lot more knowledge on deer hunting then he did. I don't buy into all the gimmicks that supposedly will make you a better hunter. But I do buy into the fact that I have learned a lot about deer while hunting and puting that knowledge to good use.

Has it cheepened it? On my grounds, absolutely not. It has made it more rewarding.