The only critter I hunt for meat is deer, because its the only critter I hunt that provides enough meat to off set the costs involved.
I do my own processing, saving me a minumum of $75 ( this seems to be what a basic cut and wrap runs around here ).
Now, keep in mind, I ONLY have steaks and burger, no frills. If I want jerky, or sausage, I will have to make it.
I do enjoy hunting bunny and squirrel, but, frankly, its more for enjoyment than sustinence as there just isnt a whole bunch of meat there. I DO eat what I kill, but, the time spent is for enjoyment, NOT trying to put meat on the table.
If you bone out a deer, figure about 25-30% of live weight in cut/wrapped meat.
My approach, doing my own processing, saves us BUNCHES on our food budget.
Oh, and the sooner I fill my tag, the less cost/pound the meat is!!
Cost:
$30 - tag
$20 - gas
$00 - processing
I do NOT include costs for gun and ammo as I am a shooter and handloader, so those are already in my possession and would be whether I hunted or not