RE: Another take on the "stages" of a hunter....
I think for most of us, that (a mature buck) in itself is enough of a challenge. Even if you succeed one year, can you do it again? I've shot deer with everything I own except my handgun. Would I like to do that? Yes, but I'm not going to go out with it and try to bag a giant. I'll take a doe with it some day and be satisfied. But I'll continue to carry my compound until I can't pull it back anymore because I get 4 months out of the year to be in the woods.
I love a challenge as much as the next guy, but I look elsewhere for them.