Lots of good suggestions here, and a variety of ways to look at the topic. My 2 bits worth:

1) Venison doesn't have the marbled fat that beef does and is therefore better for you (I can see the debate on its way <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>).

2) Venison doesn't get shots of various types of medication like beef does.

3) As already mentioned, once you're set up, the cost of venison is minimal. This is even more so if you acquire a moose or elk. Actually it seems to me I looked at a package of steaks in the store recently and they wanted something like $12/lb for it. Yowsers!

4) Hunting is an enjoyable leisure activity and I choose to spend money on it instead of trips to Vegas, curling, collecting stamps, or whatever. So the cost per pound isn't an issue.

5) I raised beef for years but prefer wild game any day. Almost without exception, if venison is handled correctly, it will not have a gamey taste. I did, however, once get a disgustingly stinky rutting mulie buck.