BOWHUNTING ON A BUDGET

Many bowhunters have a misconception that going on hunting adventures is expensive.  Leaving your state to pursue big whitetails, elk or antelope out West or moose in the Yukon doesn’t have to cost a lot of money if you hunt without a guide.  By doing lots of research on the state you want to hunt, asking questions in online hunting forums and ordering maps of the areas you plan to hunt in, you can have a hunt of a lifetime without breaking the bank.
    I have hunted across the country on a shoestring budget.  I have harvested moose, elk, whitetails and hogs without spending lots of cash.  I have regularly hunted elk without spending over a thousand dollars.  The problem with elk hunting is the chance of success is low.
    If you are looking for a fun hunt with a high success rate that doesn’t cost much money, consider antelope hunting.  Mike Mix, one of the founders of EP Hunting is going West this fall to chase speed goats with a bow and he will probably score.  “I am looking forward to shooting an antelope with a Reign Broadhead,” Mix said.  “The best part about the hunt is that it takes place on public land so the entire hunt will likely cost less than $1,000.”
    If the wide large racks of a mule deer makes you drool, consider chasing them.  In many Western states like Colorado and Wyoming, getting a mule deer tag is relatively inexpensive and simple.  The benefit to hunting in Western states is there is lots of public ground to hunt on.  Pack a tent, a good pair of boots and your gear and you will probably come across some mule deer.  Doug Vandewater from EP Hunting is heading West this fall to chase mule deer.  Hopefully we’ll see the EP Hunting boys gripping and grinning with some big bucks soon.
    When hunting on your own, realize that you might not come home with a monster buck or bull.  Many of the animals I have taken when hunting on my own weren’t giants but the wilderness experiences and memories will last a lifetime.  I would rather take a mediocre critter on my own than tag a monster with an outfitter any day.