Are you in need of a lot of adventure gear, but you don’t have a lot of cash? When your hobbies require archery supplies, paddle boarding goods, and hunting gear, the price tag to get started really adds up. If you are looking for good hunting gear (or any other adventure gear), but don’t have a big budget, check out our list of tips below.
Six Tips for Getting the Hunting Gear You Need, On a Budget
- Go Shopping in the Off Season
The closer to the “in” season an item is, the more expensive it is. As the season winds up, the cost of the hunting supplies you need get lower and lower. With very few exceptions, your hunting goods will work just as well next year as it does today, it will just set you back far less. If you missed the “peek season” to buy cheap goods last year and need the goods this season, try looking at prices about four to six month out.
For example, you might be able to find a portable dear stand for about 30% off the market price right after dear season concludes. If you miss that and wait a few months before dear season begins, you might be able to find one even cheaper than that. Just keep an eye out all year long. The worst time to by hunting goods is when you actually need them. - Watch for Killer Deals.
No matter what time of year it is, if a sporting good store has a blowout sale, this might be the best time to strike. Keep an eye on the equipment you want and your ear to the ground on sales in your area, so that you’re ready snag it as soon as the prices hit rock bottom.
It’s a good idea to get on the mailing lists for the local sporting good stores in your area. This way you’ll have your finger to the pulse and will know as soon as an item you need has a sale sticker on it, before someone else does. - Shop Around
Make a list of the hunting gear you’re angling to get (we threw that fishing pun in for free), and then check out the prices in your local area and online. Unless you need a particularly niche product, your items are going to be available at big box sporting good stores, privately owned hunting supply stores, general department stores, and of course Amazon. When you hunt around for a great deal, you might find the first price you see is far more than you actually end up paying. - Consider Promotions for Opening Credit Cards
If the equipment you need is available at a big box sporting goods store or a department store, you might be able to get a chunk off the price that you pay if a promotion is offered to you for opening a credit card. Of course, make sure that you don’t get yourself into debt trouble with it, or you’ll lose any discount that you earned by opening the card to begin with. - Pander to Your Loved Ones
When your loved ones give you things you don’t want for birthdays or Christmas, it is money down the drain. You don’t want it, and they don’t want to waste their money.
Maybe the equipment you want costs more than anyone would spend on a birthday or Christmas gift for you, but if you combine the total amount between several gifts, it might cover it (or take a dent out of the total damage). When you have Christmas or a holiday coming up, ask for gift cards to the same sports equipment store, so you can combine them and buy the things your heart really longs for. - Consider Used Sources
You would be amazed by the hunting gear gems that you find second hand, at neck-breaking prices. When shopping for used hunting gear, the trick is to grab them while they’re still there. Hit up garage sales, check out pawn shops, watch Craigslist, join online yard sale groups. The more you have an eye on the used items for sale, the more likely you’ll come across something awesome at an incredible deal.
Do you have any other tips? Share them below!