Processing fees are double what they were a couple of years ago for starters. Inflation since Covid has put a hurting on the average Joe in the woods. I know several people that have held off shooting does for this reason and a lot of hunters usually give some away to friends and family.
Opposite for me. Process my own deer and haven’t had to buy any hamburger or steak all fall or winter. Big grocery bill savings. Even at the processor you are saving money vs buying beef.
