03/09/2026
Most people think hunting or fishing just means showing up and getting meat.
The reality is… that meat is one of the most expensive groceries you’ll ever eat.
Before anyone ever pulls a trigger or casts a line, there are months of work and thousands of dollars involved.
Here’s what actually goes into putting wild meat on the table:
Land & Property Costs
• Land lease or property taxes
• Liability insurance
• Fencing and gate maintenance
• Road maintenance for access
Wildlife & Food Plot Management
• Corn and protein feed
• Mineral blocks
• Food plot seed
• Fertilizer and soil prep
• Tractor fuel and maintenance
Stand & Hunting Setup
• Deer stands and blinds
• Ladder stands and replacement straps
• Trail cameras and batteries
• SD cards and camera plans
• Stand maintenance and repairs
Hunting Equipment
• Rifles, bows, optics
• Ammunition or arrows
• Range practice and targets
• Hunting clothing and boots
• Safety harness equipment
Processing the Animal
• Processing fees (often $100–$200+)
• Vacuum seal bags and packaging
• Freezer space and electricity
• Ice and coolers
Fishing Expenses
• Boat payments or purchase
• Boat fuel
• Boat maintenance and repairs
• Trailer tires and bearings
• Boat insurance
• Fishing rods and reels
• Line, hooks, lures, tackle
• Electronics (fish finders, GPS)
Daily Operating Costs
• Fuel for trucks and ATVs
• Chainsaws and tools
• Feeders and batteries
• Salt blocks and attractants
• Equipment repairs
So when someone asks for hunting meat or a fishing trip…
Just remember — it didn’t come from the grocery store.
It came from months of preparation, hard work, and thousands invested in the outdoors lifestyle.
And honestly…
We wouldn’t trade it for anything.
– RDP