Hunting ain’t cheap. In fact, the passionate pursuit of wild game can financially break a man in a hurry. I say, “man,” because women tend to display better judgement when it comes to the hunting products they purchase.
Men are much different. If there’s money in the bank, or dollar bills in our wallet, we’ll likely find some type of hunting gear we can’t live without.
Some hunters are obviously worse than others when it comes to the money spent on hunting gear. If you find yourself struggling with the decision to feed the family, or buy hunting gear, it’s safe to say, you’ve got a problem. And as they say, the hardest part is admitting it.
Regardless of whether you struggle slightly or have a serious problem with your spending on gear, we’re pretty sure you (or your family) have probably struggled with the purchase of the items below. Here’s a look at 10 items broke hunters still have money for.
A New Bow
Some hunters buy a bow and stick with it for years. Other hunters seem to change bows about as often as they change their socks. New or used, bowhunters will always find money to buy a new bow. The kids may have to skip a meal or two every once in a while, but one way or another you’ll round up $1200 for a new bow.
Arrows
Arrows are a must. You have to have a quiver full of arrows to play the game. And when you’ve been blessed with multiple shot opportunities in a season, you’ll find yourself in need for a fresh batch of shafts. And despite arrows being more spendy than ever these days, you’ll find a way to buy the arrows you need to stay in the game.
Hunting License
There’s been more than a few times when I’ve found myself scrappin’ funds after the holidays for a fresh hunting license for the new year. Christmas put a hit on the finances, and things were super tight, but I always seemed to find a way to come up with money for a hunting license – even if it meant returning some less desirable Christmas gifts to come up with the cash.
Scentlok & SITKA
Even if you’re not a great hunter, you can look like you know what you’re doing if you have the best in high-tech apparel. Fake it ’til you make it, right? That’s why it’s important to have the good stuff in high-tech apparel from brands like Scentlok and SITKA, regardless of the cost. Broke hunters can easily look like rockstar hunters if they hit the woods wearing apparel that they spent a small fortune on.
Gas Money
Don’t take the cost of fueling your hunts lightly. It takes a chunk of change to keep gas in the tank, particularly during the rut when you’re heading to the woods day after day. Raid the stash, or dig up coins from under the seats in your truck, just don’t run out of gas money for your hunts!
YETI Cooler
Pay attention when you’re headed down the road and you’re likely to encounter another hunter in a vehicle hauling a YETI cooler. That car or truck may be the biggest hunk of junk on the road, but that cooler sure looks fine! Heck, in some cases, that YETI may be worth more than the truck itself! It’s a sure sign that broke hunters still have money for a YETI cooler.
E-Bike
E-bikes are the latest rage when it comes to how hunters make the daily commute to the deer stand. More and more hunters are leaving their ATV at the house and hauling the E-bike. It’s a simple and super quiet way to get to your treestand. But they don’t come cheap. You can expect to pay $1500 – $5000 for one of these 2-wheeled hunting rigs. But regardless of price, you’ll see broke hunters adding these bikes to their arsenal every season, even if it means a pile of payments and debt.
Hunting Lease Dues
You better plan ahead for this one! Don’t let your hunting lease dues sneak up on you. Hunting club dues come around every year, and it can be painful to fork over the cash, but even broke hunters know that the investment is well worth the sacrifice.
Saddle & Stands
Back before hunting season, a buddy of mine was trying to sell a bunch of his hunting gear on Facebook. This wasn’t just some simple closet clean-out. He was selling some seriously good stuff. When I messaged him to ask if he was alright and check to see if his wife had possibly hacked his account, he simply said, “Man, I’m good. I’m just broke, but still need money for a new saddle, sticks, and treestands.” I feel his pain most every season.
Taxidermy
Lastly, a hunter will always find the funds for the taxidermy bills. The good things is, you’ll likely have a year to make payments on your deer mount. You just need to dig up the funds for a deposit. Do whatever takes! Even broke hunters still have the money for a trip to the taxidermist.
What about you? What are the must-have hunting items you always seem to find money for? Comment below, and let us know the things you won’t go without.
