Where to save your money??

[pyroducksx3]

Where I save my money...... on everything else. My TV is so old and only like 42" or something, I don't have cable, I don't really go to bars much, I spend more on hunting clothes then on my regular clothes. My truck is a 2007. I sell stuff I don't use. My priority is on my hunting stuff.

 

[Dos Perros]

Where's the line? For me, if spending the money on the gear is enough to keep me from spending the money on the gas, tag, etc, then it's too much. Getting out there is priority one.

 

[WyoElk]

Just like snow machines or boats, buy them in the right season and you will save big. Start watching the classifieds in January and you can get a deal on whatever you want. If you wait until August you are going to have to pay a premium for hunting gear.

I also agree on researching a lot and only buying once. I've struggled with this over the years but you are way ahead to get the right gear the first time.

 

[AK Shane]

Rule #1: NEVER pay retail. I 100% agree with WyoElk above. This may mean planning many months ahead for what you may need next season. Make a list of what you need/want and keep an eye out in the off season. Everything can be found on sale or clearance as long as you don't wait until last minute.

I agree that boots and packs are items to spend the extra money on. I don't necessarily agree that you need to spend a bunch of money on your sleep system for general hunting or occasional backpacking. If you're a die hard mountain hunter that's a different story. Quality synthetic sleeping bags can be found for under $200, quality down bags for around $300. Tent makers are constantly changing their tent line-ups. It's not to hard to find great tents at 25%-30% off. No need for a $700 Hilleberg. If you do plan on spending weeks in the field carrying everything on your back, then the sleep system is one big area where spending some extra money can save you a lot of weight. So for mountain hunters I'd say spend the money to cut the weight now because these will be some of the first items you'll be looking to upgrade two years down the road in order to cut weight.

Save money on clothes. You don't need $150 Under Armour or First Lite pants to go hunting. You don't need a $95 Sitka synthetic long sleeve. Look at Nike, Eddie Bauer, Old Navy, etc. for cheaper synthetic & fleece clothing. My favorite hunting shirt is a Medalist long sleeve with silver thread that I bought many years ago for $20.

Skip the expense and weight of a Nalgene bottle and use a plastic Gatorade bottle. Skip the titanium cup and spoon and go with cheaper plastic/synthetic. Make your own fire starter and first aid kits. Old cotton sheets sew up into pretty good game bags.