Well, I think you need to pick a state and where you will be hunting first. Might help to get some good glass and a capable pack first. Then go out where you think you want to hunt and walk around just before deer/elk season the first year. IME, getting to know the hunting land is the biggest obstacle. A guide can help as can experience. Experience is possibly cheaper.
Glass is another buy decent or used glass until you really know what apex type glass you thing you need. Others will have glass they brag about, but I've seen a lot of big animals killed by guys using basic glass. It is how you use it as much as anything.
Packs can be similar. Most are good. A few are great.
Also, in the area you want to hunt, there are local guide contacts to be made that are much more affordable often. They will likely booked up for that year, but do a meet & greet.
Last, don't go rifle crazy until you are driven to an ultra fancy rifle. Something like a Browning X bolt, Bergara B14 or Tikka T3X is more than capable until you are. Be careful of the featherweight rifle. You are often trading weight for capability. Also, be wary of the magnums. A 6.5 Creedmoor you are really good with is better than a 338 win mag with a flinch.
….and Hornady makes some good stuff…bullets, ammo, dies
Same with camo. I probably wouldn't buy all the Gucci clothes until something drove me to it. Honestly, I wear a basic W/B shell of some basic camo 100% of the time and vary my under layers mostly. I think that is an ok place to start. These 2pc shells start around $150. Long underwear is expensive but worth it.
Boots are similar. To me, Danner makes great boots. I think I have $200ish into mine. You know what my boots are?? Light and supportive.
I guess my point is getting outdoors and finding your flaws and gear flaws is the best teacher.
Flamesuit on!!!
