Bolognasniper,
I just started opening this can of worms a few years ago. I'm yet to find a recipe/smoking combination I'm completely happy with but I"m having fun trying. There are so many combinations of recipes, smoking approaches, etc that you can try that it is almost a bit overwhelming. I think it will be many years before I'm happy with my procedures but I'll certainly keep trying! The main issue I'm struggling with right now is whether to dive in and buy the bigger grinder/stuffer or try to get by with my little 1 HP one. The one that I currently have doesn't have the attachment for sticks - and that's what I'd like to focus on as they are the most expensive to get made elsewhere.
I will always be a big proponent of people butchering their own deer and making their own steaks/sausages/jerky, etc as I think it just completes the circle and makes it that much more satisfying.