(Illustrations by Anthony Hary, Special to the Star Tribune)
Like savvy consumers, hunters each fall gauge prospects for success against the time and cost required to put a bird — or venison steak — in hand. Minnesota, for instance, didn't always have 500,000 deer hunters. Only since the state's whitetail population exploded did so many blaze-orange-clad residents go afield. Similarly, last year, when pheasant numbers were depressed, a paltry 47,000 ringneck seekers tromped the uplands — compared to some 300,000 in 1958, when florid roosters abounded. Here, then, is the species-by-species calculus that hunters will consider this fall before lacing up their boots.
Whitetail deer Expense/reward

Joining Minnesota's biggest hunt of the year can be daunting for a newcomer. Last year alone, more than 637,000 men, women and children lived out the tradition in a statewide harvest of nearly 200,000 whitetails.
More than other fall hunts, the deer season is ritualistic, often communal, and not lightly taken up by oneself. The benefits are unique and intangible. Who can measure the value of returning every year to that shack or camp where so many sensations come alive and so many glories are recalled?
It's priceless personal time with family and friends built around a shared outdoor experience. Hunters are isolated in woods and on field edges for hours on end. They sit in silence and wait for a heart-pounding encounter with a deer. Later, they tell the story.
It's a pastime that requires considerable time, money and access to land. Big-ticket items include acquisition and preservation of your camp, travel, hunting stands, safety harnesses, ground blinds, firearms, scopes, camouflage, cold-weather solutions, carcass transport solutions, venison processing equipment and/or cash for your favorite butcher.
Fortunately, the gear accrues and individual outlays are reduced by sharing. But hunters' backpacks themselves are formidable, equipped as many are with nontoxic ammo, deer-calling devices, lures, binoculars, a range finder, headlamp, flashlight, maps and a compass. Also, expect to need hand-warmers, scent killer, rope, string, zip ties, a hand saw, a fully charged cellphone, first aid kit, plastic gloves for field dressing, fire starters, water, snacks, knife and deer tags. A resident archery or firearms license is $34.
Grouse Expense/reward

There's not a bird under every tree in Minnesota, but our state provides some of the best ruffed grouse hunting in the country. For a fall hunting experience, the needed investment is rock bottom. Pull on a pair of boots, find a trail, wear an orange cap and vest, and carry a light shotgun. Minnesota offers 528 designated hunting areas in its ruffed grouse range with more than 40 of those designated for ruffed grouse management. Moreover, the state has 600 miles of designated hunter walking trails.