Originally Posted by WV Hunter

No doubt.

Hunting (like any hobby) is not really cheap. Sure you could buy one cheap gun or bow and use it forever, don't spend much on accessories, never go out of state or on a trip, and it wouldn't cost that much long term. But nobody does that which is why its a multi-billion dollar per year industry.

If I had to guess, many pay 2-3x what the best store bought red meat would cost. I shoot alot of deer, and I'm sure I'm still way in the hole. But to save $ certainly isn't why I hunt at all, getting some nice meat is a bonus.