I'm a wannabe trophy hunter. I think to be a successful trophy hunter takes A LOT more than just hunting alot and passing up small bucks. I've hunted A LOT and passed up small bucks now since 95!!! BUT, haven't killed a big one yet, and have only seen a couple.
I am getting closer though and I think next year might be better. A trophy for me will be a 160ish buck, as the biggest I've taken yet is about a 110 BUCK!! :0(
Same story with elk, but I have come real close with elk the last 3 years. A trophy there for me is 300+.