It's not glamorous, but the best chances of success for the lowest cost hunting with traditional archery equipment in the US would probably be for wild hogs, primarily in the southeastern part of the US through Texas. In many places, you could be hunting with a reasonable chance of success in the hundreds of dollars range. This would be primarily on private land with some assistance from the landowner or someone who has leased the land.
To hunt big game, elk or deer, unguided on public land in the western US with traditional archery equipment is a long shot. You will probably spend a lot of money on non-resident tags and never get a shot. If it were me, I would make a scouting trip to the areas I wanted to hunt the first year and do a little backpacking, and asking around among the outfitters and outdoor stores that service the area. This would essentially be free except for your travel expenses.
GPS maps are available that show the areas where you are allowed to hunt and those where you are not, mainly private land and national parks. State wildlife agencies have information available on seasons, licenses, legal areas to hunt, etc. Each state has its own laws regarding hunting, licensing, etc.
If you are hunting in areas where there are grizzly bears, mainly northern Wyoming and Montana, you need to be concerned with your safety. Moose are also potentially dangerous, but normally only if you approach them too closely. Mountain lions are dangerous and widespread, but not likely to attack you. Black bear and wolves are usually not dangerous unless you have food in your tent that they want to eat. Carry bear spray and don't sleep with your food.
Topic: Hunting in the US (Read 1185 times)
