While there are some truely good hunters today, I think that on average, today's hunter could not hold a candle to the hunters of old!
Many of the old hunters hunted not only for sport, but for their family food supply! A good hunter of the past could do everything today's hunter can do, and without all the high tech stuff to help him out!
I also agree with Skeeter, scouting, tracking, and hunting knowledge are far more important than gadgets!
BTW, the real hunters of today, are not too much different than those of the past! Drop a real hunter off in the woods, in blue jeans, and a gun, and he'll come home with game!
I am all for new technology, but nothing takes the place of solid hunting skills! Technology and books are great tools, but until you learn to use them in the field, they are useless!