You can make jerky in an oven on it lowest setting, in a smoker at 180 to 200 degrees or in a dehydrator. You could even make it in your attic if you live in Arizona.
You could make your own dryer or smoker with an old refrigerator and a hot plate. Dehydrators are not expensive and you will not have to monitor the temp. If you look in Wally World, Big Lots(Odd Lotts) or any discount deptartment store you should be able to find one for under $30.00.