Jim, as far as deer hunting goes I have been lucky enough to live in some states that have great genetics and soil content and not so much hunting pressure. Hell I seen over 20 bucks ina bean field in Kansas and only one of them, a 6 pt, would not make P&Y minimum. Where I dont think I have seen that many here in the last 11 seasons total! Im not saying that living in a state that has great whitetails is a given, but it darn sure increases your odds!
My neighbor is 72 years old and still manages to tag 2 good bucks for our area most years with his bow,yet he does not have one that would make book. He is in my eyes a great deer hunter.
Im not sure, but I dont think Fred Bear had a Whitetail Buck that would make book!