Let me explain it this way.........I bowhunted PA for (at the time) 20 seasons and never SAW a P&Y caliber deer in all those years from stand. NEVER SAW ONE.

I leased a farm in West Central (Scott Co.) IL in 2004 and after 1/2 day of low impact scouting, I hung a stand and had an 18 yard opportunity at an honest 160" 10pt. (I spooked the doe that was with him and blew it but that's beside the point)
I saw multiple P&Y bucks, passed 3 that would have been my largest to date and really should have gotten it done first day in.

Luck? Coincidnece? Location?

There really is a direct relationship to location and success, especially for the people with any skills. It's undeniable.
A person with 1/2a head on his shoulders might not hammer them first year in a new quality location, there are subtle patterns etc that get refined over the years but you gotta hunt where they are.