142 deer since I started at 12 years old
Are you saying you've killed 142 deer in 20 years? 7 every year. Seems you've killed plenty of deer. My thoughts are for you to actually wait for a big buck to show up. Spend one season waiting for the big buck. Scout and find some good spots and let the does and lesser bucks walk until you find a big buck.
Personaly I'd rather a free range hunt.
Just my 2 cents worth but I think you need to spend a year or two buck hunting if you want a big boy.