Birds on a Budget

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There are two major limiting factors that prevent hunters from taking that next hunting adventure: time and money.

Here are some tips, gleaned from our Birds on a Budget videos, for keeping costs down on that big traveling pheasant hunt you want to take this fall.

You find the time. We'll help you save the dollars.

Travel

This is the biggest variable for keeping costs down on a hunting trip. Have a great plan going in. Eliminate wasted time and money before you ever pull out of the driveway.

Electronic Pre-Scouting

Use apps like onX Hunt to pinpoint a desired location to home-in on clusters of accessible land before dropping dollars to end up in a barren wasteland void of opportunity.

Cash-Back Apps

These apps can be a great way to find discounts or rewards while filling up the tank if you do need to put on more miles to find spots. Score even greater savings on initial sign-up and referral offers.

Watch the Video: Birds on a Budget 2.0 

Lodging

This factor comes down to your literal comfort level. Take into account the time of year and potential weather conditions to help you decide how much you can trade luxury for what's truly necessary.

Dog-Friendly Hotel or Lodge

Stay in a cheap hotel that allows your dogs inside in case of extreme weather. If there is a continental breakfast to fuel up on before you head out each morning, all the better.

Camping

If you have access to a camper or small sleeper trailer, or don't mind a tent, this may eliminate more cost in lodging than you'll pay in gas on long trips.

Sleep in the Vehicle

Convert the back of your rig into a mobile bird camp with a sleeping pad. Throw in a shade tent (or a tarp and some paracord) to give yourself a staging area outside the vehicle and create a truly mobile bird camp.

Meals

No matter the time of year or distance traveled, you can always find creative recipes to keep costs down on meals. And you don't have to sacrifice taste in the name of pinching pennies.

Eat Your Fresh Game

My favorite meal from our most recent Birds on a Budget hunt was a tailgate meal of beer-battered pheasant. Pre-pack coatings, seasonings and oil, add a few sides like instant mashed potatoes and you're set.

Plan Multi-Use Meals

Grill a bunch of brats for a tailgate lunch in the field. Make more than you need for lunch and use the rest as your protein source mixed into a pasta concoction for dinner.

Raid the Fridge

Pull anything from the fridge or freezer you might need for the trip. Eliminate that extra stop for condiments that turns into additional dollars … and snacks and more. Pre-making breakfast sandwiches or burritos with leftover game from the year before is always a winner.

Emergency Rations

Freeze-dried camping meals or ramen noodles are good backups in case the hunt doesn't go as planned.

Instant Coffee

If you're already planning to cook on the tailgate, add a French press and some ground coffee from home. No gas-burning runs to town for an expensive coffee fix.

Water Hacks

Fill large, refillable water containers at home to avoid purchasing bottles of water later.

Gear

Borrow Before You Buy

If there is a niche piece of equipment you don't already have, try it as a loaner from a friend for a test run before investing.

Find Used Deals

Facebook Marketplace and other gear swap apps can be a great place to find hidden gems.

Conclusion

Chasing birds behind a good dog is not cheap. But it does not have to break the bank. Try some of these simple hacks to cut down on the "want" expenses and stick to need" expenses.

Good planning beforehand can turn a budget trip into a priceless experience.