Deezil is right on. Venison is not cheap in terms of mony spent, energy, or needed equipment. During season I hunt.

Out of a season I hunt Krogers, Wally World, etc. Find packages of 10# chicken legs n thighs. Price is usually $6 to $7. That works out to less than 75 cents per lb!. Coat with dry rub n put them unto smoker at 215 degrees for four hours n package in small quantities in freezer. Great meals or snacks at much less than what my venison costs me! Love chicken!

I butcher my own venison but my deer club buddies take theirs to a butcher that charges them from $55 to $75 per animal. Average deer (doe) weighs about 120 lbs. After removing head hide, and guts you are left with less than 60lbs of meat n bones. Butcher fees alone cost $1 a pound or more.