Bowguy67-
Law dictates that a guide is required for many of the animals on the list. Also, your ""just like a 3D shoot" idea does not track for several of the animals either (like all the Mt. Goats, Sheep, etc.) because 80% of the hunt is just getting to the hunting grounds in difficult terrain and weather. Sure, a guide could just walk you out into the bush or out on the tundra (after days or maybe even weeks of hunting) and stand you up in front of an Alaskan Brown Bear or a Polar Bear and say... "Now all you gotta do is just shoot it" how many could close the deal? Few, very, very, few could make that shot. If all it took was money, every billionaire hunter would have done it. If all it took was time, every unemployed hunter would have done it. If all it took was drive, every Redbull guzzling extreme athlete would have done it.
Like many endeavors that are far out on the edge it takes funds, time and a will to accomplish it. Every man who did it not only had the wherewithal to get it done, they also had that same wherewithal to put themselves in a position to have the funds and the time to get it done.
There are a few things in my life I will probably never do... own a Lear Jet, date a super model and complete a Super Slam with traditional gear. Not because I can't or because I can't afford it but because at this point in my life it is not important enough to me to make the sacrifices to get any of those things done. The men who did do it should be commended for their devotion to their hunting, the ability to make the shot when they needed to in tough situations and the ability to position themselves to get it done.
I have heard interviews with and seen presentations by Fred Eichler, Rick Duggan, and Nathan Andersohn. Not a one of them ever "bragged" about their accomplishment. Each of them spoke about their love of hunting, the people they shared all the hunts with, the places the hunts took them and the wonderful animals they had the opportunity to hunt. It is OK that you are not impressed with the accomplishments of these hunters. You do you... I on the other hand will celebrate their achievements.
I have to go now and finish packing for my trip to the east. I have only two species left on my Selfbow Super Squirrel Slam and season is running out.
OkKeith