I'm guessing you haven't priced an out of state deer, elk or bear hunt to name a few. Just the cost of the hunt and tags will set you back an easy $4k, not counting airfare, rentals, etc. I could do a whole hell of a lot of guided Quail hunting down south here for a ton less.
I understand what you're saying though, I'm living in the Redneck Riviera. Only hunting dogs we see around here are gaggles of those god-awful noisy beagles lol.

Life is too short for cheap guns, cheap women and cheap whiskey.