Last Updated: April 2026 | Originally published November 2016
I wrote the original version of this article in 2016 after a friend asked me this exact question and I realized there was no simple answer. A decade later, that is still true — but the prices have changed significantly, some of the gear recommendations have gotten better, and a few things I left out originally deserve to be in here. This is the complete updated version.
The Honest Answer Upfront
The cost to start hunting ranges from as little as $100–$200 if you borrow gear and hunt on public land, to $1,500 or more if you buy everything new for a full first-season setup. Most beginners land somewhere in the $400–$800 range for a functional, enjoyable first season.
The biggest variables are:
- Whether you buy a new or used weapon
- Whether you bow hunt or gun hunt
- Whether you hunt public land or need to purchase access
- Whether you butcher your own deer or pay a processor
- Which state you hunt in — license and tag costs vary significantly
The rest of this article breaks down every cost category honestly so you can build a realistic budget for your situation.
The True Bare Minimum — What You Legally Need
Hunting License and Tags
License and tag costs vary by state and change annually, so always verify current pricing on your state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website. As a general reference point, here in Illinois a resident hunting license runs approximately $15–$20 and a deer tag runs $25–$30 for a firearm tag. Most states fall somewhere in a similar range for residents, though non-resident licenses can run $100–$300 or more.
Hunter Safety Course — Most states require first-time hunters to complete a hunter safety certification before purchasing a license. Many states offer this course free of charge, either in-person or online, though some charge a small administrative fee of $10–$20. Check your state DNR website for options and availability in your area.
Blaze Orange
Many states — including Illinois — legally require hunters to wear a blaze orange vest and hat during firearm deer season. A basic blaze orange vest and hat combo runs $10–$20 on Amazon and satisfies the legal requirement.
Check current blaze orange vest and hat combos on Amazon → (affiliate link)
In Illinois, hunters are also required to pass a hunter safety course. If you live in Illinois, Click here for options and courses. Illinois residents must also have a F.O.I.D. card in order to be in possession of a firearm. Click here to apply for one.
A Legal Weapon
This is the biggest variable in your startup cost. Here is a realistic 2026 price breakdown by weapon type:
| Weapon Type | Entry-Level New | Used/Budget | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shotgun (12 gauge) | $350–$500 | $150–$300 | Legal in all states, versatile |
| Rifle | $400–$600 | $200–$400 | Not legal in all states — check yours |
| Muzzleloader | $250–$450 | $150–$250 | Often separate season with less competition |
| Compound Bow | $350–$600 (package) | $150–$350 | Lower tag cost, longer season, higher skill requirement |
| Crossbow | $300–$600 | $150–$300 | Easier to learn than compound, legal in most states |
The most affordable entry point for most beginners is a used shotgun. A reliable used Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 — both proven platforms — can be found at local gun shops or through private sales for $150–$250. Either will serve a beginner well for years.
If you want to buy new, the Mossberg 500 remains one of the best value shotguns on the market for deer hunting and typically runs $400–$500 depending on configuration.
Ammunition — A box of shotgun slugs (5 rounds) runs approximately $10–$20 depending on brand. For your first season, one box is more than enough.
The True Cost of Your First Deer — The Math
One of the most common reasons people give for wanting to start hunting is to save money on meat. It is worth doing the honest math on this before you commit.
An average adult doe or younger buck will field dress at approximately 100–120 lbs. From an animal that size, you can realistically expect to harvest around 40–50 lbs of boneless, edible meat after processing.
Bare minimum first deer cost (borrowing all gear except license and tag):
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Hunting license | ~$18 |
| Deer tag | ~$28 |
| Blaze orange vest and hat | ~$15 |
| Box of slugs (5 rounds) | ~$15 |
| Total | ~$76 |
At 45 lbs of meat, that works out to roughly $1.69 per pound — an extraordinary value compared to grocery store venison or even beef. The catch: this scenario assumes you borrow a gun from a friend or family member and process the deer yourself.
Realistic first deer cost (buying your own entry-level setup):
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Hunting license and tag | ~$46 |
| Blaze orange | ~$15 |
| Used shotgun | ~$250 |
| Ammunition | ~$15 |
| Hunter safety course | Free–$20 |
| Total | ~$326–$346 |
At 45 lbs of meat, that is approximately $7.25 per pound for your first deer. Each additional deer in the same season costs only the price of another tag (~$28) and potentially more ammunition — dropping your per-pound cost dramatically over time.
If you pay a processor: Add $100–$150 to butcher your deer. That pushes your first-deer cost per pound toward $10–$11 — comparable to buying quality beef at a grocery store. If saving money on meat is your primary motivation, processing your own deer is essential to making the numbers work.
The Three Budget Tiers — What Most Beginners Actually Spend
Beyond the bare legal minimum, here is a realistic breakdown of what hunters at three different budget levels spend in their first season:
Tier 1 — Bare Minimum ($150–$350)
This is the “borrow everything you can and buy only what you must” approach. Perfectly valid — many lifelong hunters started this way.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| License and tags | $46 |
| Blaze orange vest and hat | $15 |
| Ammunition (1 box) | $15 |
| Hunter safety course | $0–$20 |
| Used shotgun (if needed) | $150–$250 |
| Tier 1 Total | $226–$346 |
Blaze orange vest and hat combo → (affiliate link)
Tier 2 — Smart Starter ($500–$900)
This is the setup most beginners end up with after their first season — enough gear to hunt comfortably and effectively without breaking the bank.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Everything from Tier 1 | $226–$346 |
| Basic camo jacket and pants | $60–$120 |
| Rubber boots (scent control) | $50–$100 |
| Entry-level climbing stand or hang-on stand | $80–$150 |
| Safety harness (required with any elevated stand) | $30–$60 |
| Grunt tube call | $15–$30 |
| Basic scent eliminator spray | $10–$20 |
| Tier 2 Total | $471–$826 |
A few notes on Tier 2 gear:
Camo clothing — You do not need the most expensive camo system on the market to kill deer. Entry-level Mossy Oak or Realtree camo from budget-friendly brands works fine for beginners. Focus your budget on a good fit and layering capability rather than brand name.
Entry-level camo jacket → (affiliate link)
Rubber boots — Human foot scent is one of the most alarming smells to a whitetail and lingers on the ground for hours. Rubber boots are one of the highest-impact, lowest-cost improvements a beginner can make. A basic pair of rubber hunting boots runs $50–$80 and makes a meaningful difference.
Rubber hunting boots → (affiliate link)
Tree stand and safety harness — Never hunt from an elevated stand without a full-body safety harness. This is not optional — falls from tree stands are the leading cause of serious hunting injuries. A basic harness runs $30–$60 and could save your life.
Entry-level hang-on tree stand → (affiliate link) Full-body safety harness → (affiliate link)
Grunt tube — One of the most underrated beginner purchases. A grunt call costs $15–$30 and can stop a moving buck or pull a deer off its line and into range. The Primos Hunting Original Can is a doe bleat beginners find easy to use and effective during the rut.
Grunt tube call → (affiliate link)
Tier 3 — Full First Season Setup ($1,000–$1,800)
This is the setup for the beginner who wants to give themselves every reasonable advantage and invest in gear that will last multiple seasons.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Everything from Tier 2 | $471–$826 |
| Quality layering system (base, mid, outer) | $150–$300 |
| Insulated hunting boots | $80–$150 |
| Budget trail camera (1–2 units) | $60–$130 |
| Scent control system (ozone or full spray kit) | $30–$80 |
| Doe estrus or buck urine scents | $15–$30 |
| Rangefinder (especially for bow hunters) | $100–$200 |
| Headlamp | $20–$40 |
| Backpack for gear hauling | $40–$80 |
| Field dressing kit | $20–$40 |
| Tier 3 Total | $986–$1,876 |
Trail cameras are one of the best investments a beginning deer hunter can make. Running even one camera on a promising trail or scrape tells you whether deer are actually using your hunting area — information that dramatically increases your odds of success. Budget trail cameras like the Meidase start around $60 and are a genuine value for beginners.
Read my full Meidase trail camera review → Budget trail camera on Amazon → (affiliate link)
A quality layering system matters more than most beginners expect — not for deer, but for you. Cold, uncomfortable hunters move around, make noise, and leave their stands early. A proper base layer, mid layer, and outer shell keeps you in the stand longer, which directly translates to more opportunities.
Base layer set → (affiliate link)
Bow Hunting vs Gun Hunting — Which Is Cheaper to Start?
This is one of the most common questions beginners ask, and the answer depends on your timeline.
Gun hunting has a lower upfront cost — a used shotgun and a box of slugs gets you in the field for $200–$300. The learning curve is also shorter, which matters if you want to hunt this fall.
Bow hunting has higher upfront costs — a quality entry-level compound bow package with arrows and a release runs $400–$600 new. You will also need more practice time before hunting season. However, archery tags are generally cheaper than firearm tags, archery seasons are significantly longer (often 3–4 months vs a few weeks for gun), and you will encounter far less hunting pressure during archery season. Over multiple seasons, bow hunting often pays for itself through lower tag costs and more hunting opportunity.
My recommendation for most beginners: Start with a firearm for your first season to build confidence and learn deer behavior without the added challenge of archery technique. Once you have a deer or two under your belt, adding archery equipment opens up an entirely new dimension of the sport.
Public Land vs Private Land — The Hidden Cost
One cost category beginners frequently overlook is land access. Hunting requires somewhere to hunt, and not everyone has access to private property.
Public land — Completely free to hunt in most states beyond your license and tags. State Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), National Forests, and Army Corps of Engineers land are all options. Public land hunting requires more scouting effort and you will encounter other hunters, but it is a legitimate and effective option that costs nothing beyond your license.
Hunting leases — Private land hunting leases vary enormously by region. In Illinois and the Midwest, a basic deer hunting lease might run $10–$25 per acre per year, meaning a 40-acre property could cost $400–$1,000 annually. Premium ground in trophy areas can run far higher.
Pay-to-hunt operations — Some properties offer day hunts or season access for a flat fee ranging from $200 to several thousand dollars depending on the operation and the quality of the deer herd.
For most beginners, starting on public land is the right call. It costs nothing extra, teaches you to scout and read deer sign independently, and builds a foundation of skills that will serve you on any property you hunt in the future.
Ongoing Annual Costs — After Your First Season
Once you have the initial gear investment behind you, the annual cost of deer hunting drops significantly. Here is what a typical season costs after year one:
| Item | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Hunting license and tags | $46–$100+ |
| Ammunition (1–2 boxes) | $15–$40 |
| Scent control products | $20–$40 |
| Trail camera batteries and SD cards | $20–$50 |
| Miscellaneous (calls, attractants, etc.) | $20–$50 |
| Typical Annual Total | $121–$280 |
At that annual cost, two deer per season at 45 lbs of meat each works out to roughly $1.50–$3.00 per pound of venison — a genuinely excellent value compared to retail meat prices, provided you process the deer yourself or split the butchering cost with a hunting partner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hunting an expensive hobby?
The startup cost can be significant — particularly the weapon purchase — but the ongoing annual cost is very manageable. Most hunters spend $150–$300 per year on licenses, tags, and consumables after their initial investment. Compared to hobbies like golf, fishing, or skiing, deer hunting is reasonably affordable over time — especially if you are harvesting meat that offsets your grocery bill.
Can I start hunting with no experience and no one to teach me?
Yes, though it takes more effort. Start with your state’s hunter safety course — most are available online and provide a solid foundation. YouTube has an enormous amount of practical deer hunting instruction from experienced hunters. Many states also have mentored hunting programs that pair first-time hunters with experienced mentors for a free guided experience. Contact your state DNR for details.
Do I need to take a hunter safety course?
In most states, yes — first-time hunters are required to complete a certified hunter safety course before purchasing a license. Even in states where it is not mandatory, taking the course is strongly recommended. It covers firearm safety, hunting ethics, deer biology, and field dressing basics.
What is the cheapest way to start hunting?
Borrow a firearm from a friend or family member, purchase only your license, tag, and blaze orange, and hunt on free public land. Process the deer yourself. This approach gets you hunting for under $100 and is a completely legitimate way to start the sport.
How much does it cost to process a deer?
Most commercial processors charge $100–$175 for a standard whitetail deer depending on your region and the cuts you request. Processing your own deer eliminates this cost entirely and is a skill worth learning — there are excellent beginner tutorials available on YouTube.
Is bow hunting more expensive than gun hunting?
For the initial setup, yes — a quality compound bow package costs more upfront than an entry-level shotgun. However, archery tags are typically cheaper, seasons are longer, and arrows and broadheads are reusable across multiple harvests. Over several seasons, the total cost difference narrows significantly.
The Bottom Line
There is no single answer to how much it costs to start hunting — it genuinely depends on your situation, your state, your weapon choice, and how much gear you buy versus borrow. But here is a practical summary:
- Absolute bare minimum (borrowing a gun): $75–$100
- Realistic first season (buying a used gun): $300–$500
- Comfortable full setup: $700–$1,200
- Premium first season setup: $1,200–$1,800
If your goal is to enjoy a new outdoor hobby, connect with nature, and potentially fill your freezer with quality wild game meat — hunting is worth every dollar of that investment. Start simple, borrow what you can, and add gear over time as you learn what matters to you in the field.
Happy hunting.
Have questions about getting started that I did not cover here? Drop them in the comments below — I am happy to help point you in the right direction.
More beginner resources on DeerHunterTips.com:
Tips for Trail Camera Placement
Deer Hunting Checklist for Beginners: The Ultimate 2026 Guide
How to Read Deer Signs: A Beginner’s Guide to Finding Whitetails
Why cant we support beef and deer hunting? Why must it be compared?
You can choose to do whatever you’d like! I only used beef as a comparison because that’s what most people buy and I’ve heard many people say they want to start hunting in order to save money on meat. I wasn’t at all trying to tell anyone they shouldn’t eat beef. It was more of a way of letting people know that unless you are doing the butchering yourself, starting to deer hunt is not a way to save money on meat. Plus, the overall goal of the article is to let people know what it costs to start deer hunting.
I appreciate you taking the time to read the article!
How did you come to this conclusion?? Can you read the article and retain the information that was there without making assumptions? I’m legitimately confused and you just pissed me off. How
I found this article very helpful. Thank you for taking the time to write this.
No problem at all! I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment and am glad that you found it useful!
Nice article. You should post if it’s free or not to take a hunters safety course. That goes into the total startup as well.
Alex,
Thanks for the comment! Unfortunately each state does things a little differently so it’s tough to say what the hunter’s safety class will cost. Here is Illinois, I know there are places that offer them for free and there are places that charge a fee.
The same goes for the total startup cost. There is a very wide range of potential total cost depending on many different factors. The weapon you choose to use also has a wide range of costs. There are bows that cost around $350 all in (which does not include the arrows or a release) and then there are bows that will cost you over $1500 all in (again, not including arrows or a release). If you are looking to start out hunting with a gun, those too have a wide range of costs and what type of gun you choose will depend on what is legal to hunt with in your state. On top of that, each state has different costs for their license and permits, which are subject to change on a yearly basis.
I’m sorry that I cannot give a specific answer on the total cost, but hopefully you still got something out of it. I appreciate you stopping in and taking the time to give me some feedback!
Matt