While I don't have the facts in front of me, I'd have to say that "statistically" a 150in deer in Ill. or WI. or IA. Etc..is considered a "top end deer". Are there bigger ones? Sure, these are big buck states after all.
Although I do not live in those states, but by looking over record book entries.... I would think 150 is on the light side of a "top end" buck for those areas.... Big yes.... Top end? I really wouldn't think so.
In my area the air is getting pretty thin on 150 class bucks, but I would say you are looking more at 160+ to be considered top end.
IMO a top end whitetail isn't the "buck of a lifetime" It is a buck of many lifetimes....
I said I'm sure Illinois has more of their "top end deer" than PA does....the operative word being "their" and not just "top end deer" in general.
This could be true... But I really have no idea... PA has a lot more deer than IL... But %age wise IL very well may be ahead in that department.