Deer Hunting on a Budget

One of the fun things about a new hobby is all the gear you get to buy. But when I took up hunting three years ago, I set an arbitrary goal of minimizing my costs. Here's how I did it.

First, my shooting stick. I chose a single shot 20 gauge shotgun.

OK, are you back now? 'Cause I know you've been rolling on the floor laughing.

I'm no firearms expert, but I suspect this is the least powerful/capable gun you could buy and still reliably bring down a deer. Ninety-six bucks from the friendly local pawn shop.


In fact some might argue with my use of the term "reliably" in relation to "bringing down a deer." Admittedly, this is a close range weapon that severely limits my shooting options. But so far I've taken four shots and harvested four deer. And did I mention it was only ninety-six bucks?

Of course for those who might want or need something more powerful or versatile, I suspect there are some decent options in the sub-$300 range (although you need to spend another chunk of dough on a scope). I even considered looking for a used Mosin Nagant (Russian military surplus) which I understand can be purchased for less that $200. There are certainly hunting situations (e.g. stand at the edge of a large field) where my own weapon would be next to useless.

Camo is easy. I already had a pair of army pants (which, by the way, are the BEST PANTS EVER and I really don't know why they don't make them in other fashionable colors so I can wear them all the time. Navy? Khaki?). I added a lightweight camo fleece hoodie for about $20 which can be worn with varying amounts of base layers depending on temperature. I also picked up camo gloves (around $20), inexpensive hunting boots ($40), a couple of drab-colored base layer items ($30), and a couple of camo bandanas as a face mask ($4). For most days in Piedmont North Carolina this works well, but maybe not so much in Minnesota or Maine, or if you plan to spend several hours in a stand.

I should confess, at this point, that I am in the enviable position of having excellent hunting grounds just outside my backdoor, and I use the term literally. I can walk out the door of my house and be settled into a stand in five or ten minutes.

Speaking of stands, I built a low one (eight feet) out of lumber for $30, and otherwise sit at ground level on plastic buckets or lawn chairs. I bought a foam seat cushion ($8) for comfort and warmth.

In North Carolina, as long as you hunt only on your own property you are not required to buy an annual license, you just have to pick up a Big Game Harvest Report Card (true as of this writing, but regulations change and you should verify, www.ncwildlife.org).

I don't bait with corn (legal in NC), but it should noted that I'm after meat, not trophies.

If you're going to process the meat yourself, you'll need a decent knife (mine is a Pendleton Lite Hunter, $13) and maybe a grinder (I bought an electric one from Harbor Freight for less than $60, holding up well so far).

All tolled, I've got less than $300 invested, way less than the cost of most deer rifles, or even some of the fancy camo jackets.

Obviously your needs and wants may vary. There's nothing wrong with spending a lot more if that's what you prefer or need and you have the money. But don't let a limited budget keep you out of the woods.