If every hunter stopped to consider the actual cost value of the venison he or she might obtain during the deer season, Next fall might see him or her stocking up on super market meats prior to the season opener. But of course that isn't the case because we spend the time hunting because we enjoy all that it represents ...being outdoors for prolonged periods, observing wildlife, helping conservation, and getting some healthful exercise and high quality meat.
I'm not sure if anyone actually did an accurate study regarding the average hours spent hunting for each deer taken, but even when the ones taken early on opening morning are added to the mix, it would probably average out to several days per deer harvested. But that's only the beginning; what about the additional costs in man-hours, transportation, gear, licenses, permits, and unless the harvester does his own meat processing, the cost of having the meat professionally processed? A Maryland study indicated the total price for each deer killed by hunters there was approximately $1,100. Considering each animal provided approximately 45 pounds of meat, the overall cost for this venison amounted to $24 per pound. The 2008 United Stockgrowers reported getting an average of $22.70 per beef cattle per hundredweight Hmm, no wonder venison is so highly regarded.
Yeah, I know I'm as guilty as anyone when it comes to choosing hunting for venison over store-boughten meat. My wife and I happen to really like venison, not just for its great taste when prepared right, but also because it contains less saturated fat and is healthier to consume than most domestic meats. We obviously enjoy the steaks and chops, but also use the less tender cuts in stews and, when ground into burger, in meatballs, meat loafs and goulash.
By comparison, what do I get beyond recreation and exercise when I go golfing, bowling, and other activities? Over the course of a season, golf and bowling costs add up, so if I simply amortize the annual cost of my time spent hunting, I doubt there'd be all that much difference. That's my story and I'm sticking with it.
There's also some other aspects to hunting that parallel other activities such as golf, fishing and bowling, and that's the enjoyment of the tools we use. Golfers are often seeking the newest clubs, balls or other tools that they hope will improve their performance. Same with bowlers and dedicated anglers. Hunters aren't much different, they are always on the lookout for tools and gear that will make them more effective hunters. Notice I said effective, and not successful, for just as in the other activities, skill, experience and dedication often override the gear used.
Deer hunting also has many positive effects beyond being an enjoyable outdoor activity and the chance to harvest one's own meat. The first and most important is its tremendous supporting impact on our state's conservation programs, both physically and fiscally. Hunting supports wildlife conservation programs, through license fees and taxes on firearms and ammunition, including the successful Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration program. It also provides substantial economic benefit to New York retailers and the tourism industry. Regulated hunting helps manage deer and many wildlife populations to prevent crop, personal property and environmental damage.
