You all know how much I hate ruffling feathers, but I’m sick and tired of seeing this same old bullsh** tagline on Instagram.

Let’s take a look at what the average Western bowhunter will likely spend in order to hunt:

Bow: $1200
Bow sight: $400
Arrow rest: $160
Quiver: $100
Arrows and broadheads: $200
Peep sight: $10
Stabilizers: $80
Release: $200
Hunting clothes: $500
Boots: $300
Binos: $300
Spotting scope: $800
Pack: $500
Bino Harness: $100
Rangefinder: $150
Game bags: $50
Resident tags for several species: $400
Knife: $50
Tent: $200
Sleeping bag: $200
Sleeping pad: $100
First aid: $20
Pocket stove and fuel: $30
Pot: $20
Meals: $200
Game calls: $100
GPS service: $100
Vehicle fuel: $1000, if you’re lucky
Total: $7,470 (not to mention the time, effort, vacation days, etc.)

Now, let’s look at the cost of simply putting meat in the freezer:

Hanging beef at $4.50/lb x half a beef at 600 lbs. = $2,700

So, is it really about putting meat in the freezer? Or is it maybe, just maybe, that hunting is fun? Could it be that you can’t put a price tag on the sense of accomplishment you experience when successfully punching a tag?

It’s our right to hunt. We enjoy hunting and spending time in the field. It’s time to start acting like it.