The most basic principle of thrifty (Six Dollar Family) living is to be able to minimize your expenses. The effects are most tangible when you’re able to eliminate an expense from a necessity like food. Food will always be an essential expense, but some food items are significantly more expensive than others. Meat is one of the more expensive food options.
So, the question is can you really save money by hunting? Can hunting be a profitable venture? Read below for answers:
It depends on a few factors:
Venison Meat Value
A small deer will usually yield about 40 pounds of free range, organic meat. Larger deer will yield twice as much meat. At most of the local farmers markets I’ve visited, pasture-raised meat costs about $10 a pound. So, when you consider the fact that free-range meat costs more than pasture-raised meat, you could estimate that a small deer could net you about $525 and a larger deer would get you double that.
But you also have to consider another factor:
The Cost Of Hunting
The cost of hunting can be high or very low depending on whether you already have hunting gear. A new hunter without any gear should be prepared to make a big investment in a weapon, hunting clothing, tree stands, other gear and emergency supplies. These things could collectively cost about $1,000 during the first year of hunting. But, you have to remember that this is an investment, not a fee, and there are a variety of options for hunting equipment and clothing. There are always cheaper alternatives, such as tactical gear from kryptek.com for hunting clothes, and perhaps a bow and arrow for your weapon. But, like most investments, it’s important to strike a balance between what you’re spending and the value of what you’re buying.
However, if you’re a seasoned, fully-equipped hunter, at the very most, state hunting licenses and permits might make up the bulk of your expenses.
Time Investment
You also need to consider the time that you’re going to spend hunting. It is a craft that requires patience, and honestly, a bit of luck. Even if you live in an area where there is an abundance of deer, you have to consider your skill at hunting. A novice hunter is more likely to scare off quarry than a seasoned hunter. It’s all about learning from your experience.
You might not get a deer during your first hunting season, even when you’re invested heavily into equipment. You will be able to master your craft over a span of time, which will increase your chances of a successful hunt. Who knows, one day you could be bringing home 2-4 deer per season, which is about $1,000 – $4,000 worth of meat per season depending on the size of the deer.
The truth is that if you do what you love, and you’re good at what you’re doing, you will always find a means to save and even make money. Hunting is just like any other craft. If you have a love for it, and you’re good at it, you’ll come out ahead.