The general theme of these posts seems to be "buy, buy, buy" . I don't think so. Yeah, you need some gear but you gotta figure out if you are hunting or buying.
Learn the area you hunt. That means walk it, and live in it for a while. Learn to shoot your rifle. There was a kernel of truth when someone above said it could take years. My first buck I met as a fawn with his mother beside a trail. For the next three years I was aware of where I could find him and who he was with.
Eventually, I gave up on bigger bucks and focused on him. Found him in the general area he frequented. Called a fawn bleat after being set up. Saw him with mom and his sister. He stepped out to investigate/defend. Popped him at 156 yds with a iron sight muzzleloader.
But I put in the time.