As Deer Season Begins, State Urges Hunters to Donate Venison to Those in Need

A deer in Valley Forge Park. (Patch file photo)

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By Alison Smith (Patch Staff)

As deer season kicked off Monday, state officials urged hunters to donate venison to those is need.

Deer season is a big deal in many parts of the commonwealth -- Pennsylvania last year had 968,735 licensed hunters, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said. Only Texas had more.

Last year, Pennsylvania hunters donated nearly 100,000 pounds of venison through Hunters Sharing the Harvest, the state Department of Agriculture said.

“Last year nearly 10,000 meals were provided by hunters donating venison through Hunters Sharing the Harvest,” said Joe Arthur, executive director of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. “With the number of families looking for food assistance at record levels, this is an excellent opportunity for Pennsylvania sportsmen to make a donation of one of the most nutritious meats available and help provide great nutrition to families struggling with hunger.”

Hunters Sharing the Harvest was established in 1991, and annually provides 750,000 meals annually to food banks, churches and social service feeding programs, the Department of Agriculture said.

“Nearly 600,000 Pennsylvania families face the reality each day of wondering how they’ll find their next meal,” Agriculture Secretary George Greig said. “This is a prime opportunity for all hunters to help fight hunger in their communities by donating venison this holiday season.”

It’s easy for hunters to donate venison, the Department of Agriculture said.

“Hunters can take their deer to one of 90 participating meat processors throughout the state and donate any amount of their venison to the program – from several pounds to the whole animal,” the Department of Agriculture said. “New this year, the $15 tax-deductible contribution hunters were asked to pay to help cover processing costs is eliminated, thanks to support from sportsmen and major sponsors alike.”

Find your closest processor here, or call 1-866-474-2141.