3 Affordable Big Game Hunts Worth Saving Up For

Big game hunting is thought to be a rich man’s hobby. Guns, ammunition, and tactical hunting gear are all expensive things to purchase. On top of apparel and ammunition, you have to pay to fly or drive to a hunting site, spend a large sum of cash on lodging, and pay a guide (or team for guides) for their expertise and knowledge of a particular hunting area. As I said, big game hunting is historically pricey.

Fortunately, big game hunting can be affordable, and you just need to do some “hunting” to find the right deals. Besides digging around for good deals, another excellent way to save money on your next big game hunting trip is to do some hunting during the offseason. Throughout my experience with the sport, I have learned of several big game hunting trips you can take that are actually worth saving up money for.

Hunting for Black Bears in Saskatchewan

If you’re looking to do some big game hunting in June, why not head up to Northern Saskatchewan and see if you can track down a trophy-sized black bear? Large portions of Saskatchewan can only be accessed by boat or plane, making this region unspoiled and ripe with big game wildlife. Some areas of Saskatchewan have just opened up black bear hunting for the first time. A black bear hunting trip in Saskatchewan costs between $4,000-$5,000.

Hunting for Wild Antelope in Wyoming

What few people realize is that Wyoming has more wild antelope than people. There are several areas in the state that are managed by Wyoming’s DNR and are sectioned off for hunters wanting to hunt for trophy-sized antelope. Because hunting is regulated here, it is much cheaper to hunt for antelope in Wyoming than in other places. Expect to pay $1,000-$2,000 for an unguided antelope hunting trip in Wyoming.

Hunting for Elk in New Mexico

If New Mexico makes more geographical sense for you than Wyoming, it is possible to hunt for wild elk in Gila National Forest in a cost-effective manner. New Mexico’s State Park Service makes it cheap and easy to secure an elk tag, and there is a wide range of hunting guides that service the forest, making it entirely possible that you’ll be able to shoot an elk in Gila National Forest for $5,000-$6,000.

America is diverse in its terrain and, thus, offers many wild games worth pursuing. Whether for sport or fun, I like any excuse to travel to a new location with a few friends, try out a new hunt, and use the time to reflect on our relationships with the Lord.

This article was originally published on MarkSmithCIU.org