West Virginia (WOAY) If you are a deer hunter, this is an exciting time of year.
Deer season also overlaps the holiday season, which is when many emphasize that it is better to give than to receive.
Since 1992, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has facilitated a way for hunters to share their bounty and provide a healthy and nutritious harvest for the Mountaineer and Facing Hunger food banks to distribute to those in need.
Since the Hunters Helping the Hungry program began, it has provided over 1.5 million pounds of venison to these food banks.
Over 19,000 pounds were donated last year alone.
The program is operated solely on donations, so those interested in supporting it can donate either a harvested deer or money.
Financial donations of any amount can be made on the WV DNR’s website by signing in to your account or using the guest checkout.
All hunting regulations and seasonal requirements must be followed.
It is like any other hunt; there are no special privileges if hunting to provide venison to the program.
To donate, take your deer to one of 15 processors throughout the state that participate in the program.
In WOAY’s viewing area, there are participating processors in Monroe, Mercer, and Kanawha counties.
However, the WVDNR is always looking for more help, so any interested processors can call the District 3 office at 304-924-6211.
Processors are paid $3 dollars for 1lb of ground venison.
