I think it’s different depending on income level and where one lives. Plenty of people here in rural MO would love to get that big, ?? point buck and hang it on their wall to impress friends. They would likely eat the venison too even though it would have to be cooked a certain way. They can do all of this wit minimal cost with the biggest cost being the taxidermy.
Rich guys want to show how much money, freedom and balls they have. I’m able to do this because I can afford it.
Poor guys want to show how much talent they have by getting that buck that no one else was able to get over the years.
I suppose it makes both feel like top dog.
Also in both cases, it’s something you do with the guys that makes you feel like a guy doing guy things and in today’s feminized world, that probably helps keep the testosterone levels up.
I much prefer to hunt alone.