I disagree. I think it has more to do with te westside kids not taking time off of school. If your dad goes on an annual trip to eastern washington to chase mulies for a week your probably not going to get to go with him until you graduate high school. There are not many parents that would be willing to let their kid miss a whole week of school just to go deer hunting. Atleast thats how it was for me. So my first deer was a blacktail. When I started to go with my dad to eastern Washington after I graduated I didn't become a trophy hunter by any means. I was just afforded more time for the trip. 
So you hunted where? Closer to home.
More reasons to hunt close to home (at least when I was a kid)
Hunt with family. We'd all meet up at my uncle's ranch.
Spend less money. (need less equipment) (Also, when I was a kid, you still had a choice of buying a cheaper license that was good for the county you lived in only instead of a statewide license)
Know the local area better.
Short hunts such as after school or work are more feasible.
Easier to find a hunting partner, especially on short notice.
Sleep in your own bed at night.