RE: Big Bucks luck or skill?
It's hard to say luck isn't a huge factor. While it takes luck to get him in the right spot at the right time, you have to hold your composure and close the deal. Skill is necessary to kill mature deer regardless of a buck or a doe. From knowing how to react in the stand as he's coming in to making sure you place the arrow in the right spot to ensurethey wont get away.
I agree with most here, patience, dedication, luck and skill are all required. I tend to agree that dedication and patience are the two largest factors.