But could the average hunter still hunt without the help of modern technology? Those who are entirely unable to do so are obviously not apex predators.

A lion can hunt any day without relying on a rifle, the vast majority of hunters could not.

So if you are smart enough to develop ranged weapons

How many hunters have the skills to develop and manufacture their own weapons?

Hunters that can build their own bows or spears and are able to hunt with them are genuine apex predators, that’s fair.

Those who are completely reliant on industrially produced high tech firearms bought in a store, and would be outcompeted by any house cat without them, are not.