Honestly, the jump in price you've noticed is real across the board. I took the plunge on a zero turn a couple of years back for my 2-acre plot, and I haven't looked back. The time saved and the ease of maneuvering around obstacles like trees and landscaping features made it worth it for me. Plus, the efficiency on fuel and the reduced wear on the lawn were bonuses.
Given your situation with a hunting property that sounds like it has its fair share of varied terrain, a zero turn could offer that agility and speed to keep things neat without eating up your day. If cost is a major factor, it might be worth looking into some used options or last year's models to get the price down. For anyone looking to stretch their dollar further, you can
find here cheap tractors and equipment. Sometimes you stumble upon a deal that strikes the perfect balance between cost and functionality.