Could not pull the trigger on the high cost of tags
- Thread starter xtreme
- Start date
Who's the common man? Seems like every other guy around here is driving a lifted $50k diesel. Last hunting season, every non resident I spoke too in the field was running an atv or side by side. I'd drive by some of their camps and there'd be fancy trailers and newer trucks. Seems to me it comes down to priorities and discipline with saving money. If you can't figure it out, yer probably better off hunting yer home state...
Unfortunately what you described is "normal". Plan ahead, save money, and pay cash!
In God We Trust
Very Active Member
Well said. I do one out of state hunt per year. I also drive a 2004 Ford Ranger with 189,000 miles on it. I will replace it when it craps out but I would rather do out of state hunts until it does with the extra money.
swampokie
Veteran member
In God We Trust
Very Active Member
91. 2500gmc 254k but I know what you mean, I have a buddy that really doesn't make a whole lot but he has all the best gear you can imagine, a 60k diesel, awesome river boat... u name it. he's just in debt up to his eyeballs. I need to buy a new truck but will still get an older 90s truck, pay cash for it and not have to make $300+ payments a month. that's my hunting money
oh, and a percentage of the money I make off of lawn mowing goes straight into my hunting funds.... after everything else is paid off.
oh, and a percentage of the money I make off of lawn mowing goes straight into my hunting funds.... after everything else is paid off.By living within our means my wife and I were able to retire at 56 and 52. We have very modest pensions but never overextended oursevles and kept our bills to a minimum. Yet we always took our kids on a two week vacation every summer and I have always taken at lest one week long hunting trip every year since we were married in 1984, plus numerous small game and fishing trips with my son. I'm just saying that with a little planning you can really enjoy your later years without having to work until you drop dead and still never have your bills paid off.91. 2500gmc 254k but I know what you mean, I have a buddy that really doesn't make a whole lot but he has all the best gear you can imagine, a 60k diesel, awesome river boat... u name it. he's just in debt up to his eyeballs. I need to buy a new truck but will still get an older 90s truck, pay cash for it and not have to make $300+ payments a month. that's my hunting money
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
My old 1999 truck had 250,000 miles on it and the main reason I bought a newer one was we are going to Alaska for 10 to 12 weeks in the summer of 2016. Wanted a truck with less miles on it. My wife and I both retired when we were 58 and live very comfortably. Our place is paid for and don't owe anyone a nickel. I could afford to go out of state every year, but I would mostly have to go alone as most of my hunting buddies can't afford it or are too old now. I will be 74 in a few months and that is one of the reasons I do more guided hunts than before. It's too bad my son is a workaholic, owns his own trucking business and all he does is work. Would love to go with him more than a few days a year.
RICMIC
Veteran member
For much of my law enforcement career, I deferred a good chunk of income to a second retirement account. That has become my "play money" account, and has funded five guided trips. I've been able to sneak in even more DIY hunts. Everyone I worked with had new trucks,cars,toys, and expensive vacations, while I always bought used vehicles for cash. Our family trips were road trips to explore the west, and we don't regret any of it. Above all other hunts, I would love to do a long multi-species hunt hunt in the Yukon, Alaska, or B.C., but likely would never allow myself to spend 30K to do so. CARPE DIEM
shootbrownelk
Veteran member
It's a CHANCE to hunt species that are more than likely not available in ones home state. The states will continue to sell these tags to the hunters with the deepest pockets. It's becoming a rich man's sport, the handwriting is on the wall. Some guys just want the hunting opportunity...filling the tag is just icing.
dan maule
Very Active Member
I do the same but I'm not the greatest trapper I still have to find other creative ways such as selling firewood and brush. Both of my boys are teenagers and I bring them with me now and get them tags as well so it gets harder to come up with the money every year but we find a way.
stevevan
Active Member
Hey Colorado Cowboy nice find on the diesel truck. You found the truck I was looking for. Enjoy it and your planned trip to Alaska. That trip is on my bucket list when my wife joins me in retirement.
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
Thanks. This my 4th Ford diesel and have loved them all. We have a 2011 28' Denali travel trailer and are really excited about the Alaska adventure. I am planning on staying until around until late August/early Sept and hunt Moose.
RICMIC
Veteran member
Great plan for a great trip CC. My wife and I plan on something similar in the next few years, so I'll be interested in how it all goes for you. For all you young guys out there who are new to the forum. Pay close attention to Colorado Cowboy's posts as that old boy is one to ride the river with. He is in his 70's, but still finds ways to do stuff that most guys in their 40's think they're too old for.