CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) is encouraging hunters to donate to the Hunters Helping the Hungry program, which helps feed individuals and families in need across the state during the holiday season.
Since the program’s inception in 1992, the Hunters Helping the Hungry program has processed over 1.1 million pounds of venison from 24,411 donated deer, providing nearly 1.5 million meals. Last year, hunters donated 561 deer, which provided 19,304 pounds of venison and provided 25,738 meals for those in need.
“For over three decades, West Virginia hunters have stepped up to generously feed our communities,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “As hunting seasons continue this fall, we encourage everyone heading into the woods to consider donating a deer. It is a simple way to make an immediate, lasting difference for families in need across our state.”
Hunters who wish to donate their deer can take it to a participating meat processor, where it will be ground, packaged, and frozen, at no cost to the hunter. The Mountaineer Food Bank in Gassaway and the Facing Hunger Foodbank in Huntington then collect the meat and distribute it through a network of food pantries, soup kitchens, senior centers, and other charitable organizations across the state.
In addition to encouraging donations, the WVDNR is seeking certified meat processors to join the program. Processors must be certified by either the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. Those interested should contact Mark Biller, the WVDNR’s Hunters Helping the Hungry program coordinator, at 304-924-6211 or via email at [email protected]. Certified processors will be reimbursed $3 per pound of venison they process for the program.
For more information on how to donate, visit wvdnr.gov/programs-publications/hunters-helping-the-hungry/.
For deer hunting season dates, bag limits and other regulations, hunters should consult the West Virginia Hunting Regulations Summary at wvdnr.gov/hunting/hunting-regulations/. To purchase a hunting license, visit WVhunt.com.
