I partially agree with both sides to this debate. Obviously, mathmatically speaking your "odds" of killing a mature buck increase by hunting in a state that holds more mature bucks. I think it's more of a case where you have a better chance of aquiring land to hunt that is within the mature bucks core area. More mature bucks = more parcels of hunting land that you have a chance of having one on your land.

In a state like NC obviously there are less of them running around. However they ARE there. Seems to me like the hardest part is finding them and then gaining access to the land (which could be difficult). Once you've gained access to such land the odds are now equal for the hunter in NC and the hunter in Ohio. You're both hunting x amount of mature bucks over x amount of acres.

I have literally gained access to around 150 different locations. Most of which have since been discarded. Some are like "the playground" where I'll take my kids out there to see a bunch of deer so they get excited, but knowing I have slim to no chance of seeing a mature buck. Then I have 4 or 5 different properties where there are some slammer bucks around. That's where I focus my hunting life and hunt HARD!

So I dont' think it's a case of anyone here being better at "mature buck" hunting or anyone luckier than the other for where they live. I think most of the work is knowing/finding where they are and really busting your hump to get on that land. Then the scouting that goes along with it. JMO...... been on both sides of the coin.