Hunting is usually more expensive than buying in bulk.
Really?
Cost in currency is only 1 aspect of stuff in my view. To me, the taste of an elk or a moose steak is priceless even if it does cost more currency than going to the supermarket to get a ribeye or t-bone beef steak. I also look at quality.
But we can look at the cost in currency. It is $25 for a moose or elk tag. Because we live in a rural area, we do not need to go far to get game and sometimes can just hike up the mountain a ways, so gasoline is negligible and the hike is usually enjoyable recreation. One can add in the one-time costs, as well. Those would be the cost of rifles, licenses, etc. We use a Winchester M94 30-30 carbine, an Enfield .303, and a a Remington 30-06. The carbine cost about $170 at the time, the Enfield cost $130, and the Remington about $280 at the time. The cost of ammo is negligible. We process our own meat so we do not count the cost of wages. As I have been hunting for almost 30 years, the cost of hunting to me is under $50 per year and even less for hubby.
Cost of a buying beef? If you do not get storebought beef but buy from a ranch in BC, you are looking at about $800 for 160 kg. cut and wrapped. The hot hanging weight of a bull elk is a bit less, about 140 to 150 kg. Bull moose are heavier.