How do you hunt on a budget?

Question

Alright, I live in florida and am on a tight budget and am looking for a cheap way to hunt, I know there a guides but they cost too much money, and to hunt public land you need to get a quata permit which are probablly hard to get, I was wondering is there any other way of hunting? I am wanting to hunt hogs.

Answer 1

Hunting on a budget implies not spending lots of money on unnecessary equipment, and using what you have. Inexpensive firearms and ammo don't hurt. Neither does hunting as close as possible to your home. No sense driving 100's of miles to some other place if game is available closer.

Look at used firearm sales for popularly available calibers in old fashioned firearms, like the Winchester .30-30. A reliable blackpowder rifle can be had new for the same price. Military surplus rifles also do well. You don't need modern camo, a good set of surplus BDU's will do. Any earth tone backpack will carry your equipment.

Permits can be a lot more available than you think. Hogs are a nuisance in a lot of areas, deer are getting that way. Conservation agencies are getting to the point of handing out permits like candy. New Jersey has up to 26 deer permits available, Missouri offers up to 8 for deer, bow, gun, blackpowder, etc. Most hog hunters just need a hunting permit, and are told to go to it, responsibly. Access and trespass laws vary considerably and will affect when and where.

Check with local sporting good retailers (not the 'Mart,) they will be happy to give you the info and will understand what your budget may be. They are all looking to establish a long time customer, know what hunting is best in the area, and offer tips and techniques. Unless someone right next door posts an answer, they will have the best shot at helping.

Answer 2

I'm not in FL so I don't know the state regs for hunting permits. You don't have to spend a lot to go hunting. At one time in history before people had jobs they worked the land and hunted to survive. having a bow or firearm is the first step. Being confident in shot placement is the second and a little woodsman spirit and woods savvy are all you need to be a successful hunter.

Answer 3

Florida is not terribly friendly to your plight. I'd say either move west or simply bite the bullet and save up. I wish I could be more helpful. I've enclosed the website for the brady campaign to end freedom--oops!--I mean gun violence, of course.

Answer 4

Try asking landowners/farmers. If there are any farms in your area ( don't know if you're urban or rural ) try asking them. Most farmers with wildhogs would love for some responsible hunter to come shoot them and get rid of them. Sometimes you just gotta stop at a farmhouse and ask.

Hope this helps,

Answer 5

Well no matter where you live its cutting costs. Find other hunters interested in the same game animal and divide up gas costs and share transportation to hunt in the same area.

Also look for natural resources to help pay for the trip if you go at it alone. I know folks in the south that gather pecans and other nuts to sell also mushrooms etc. One fellow here in Alaska cuts firewood before he leaves for home that 1 cord pays $200 of his trip.

Ask local farmers if you can hunt on their land. If you show up nice and respectable many times you can get permission to hunt. I have worked a full day cleaning out a fence row for a farmer to gain access and his trust to hunt on his land. Farmers have heavy crop damage from deer, hogs and waterfowl. You gain their trust and you both win.

Get maps out of local areas and look for places to hunt. There are many over looked areas near cities to hunt.

Consider a river float trip, I know many in the south that just float down a river, make camp on state or federal land and hunt. Saves lots of gas and gets you away from the crowds.

Reload your ammunition to cut costs. Combine fishing to save costs of food while hunting.