Thinking of trying deer hunting? Read this.

[Scott M]

Not growing up in a hunting family it took me some time to come around to deer hunting. For the average hunter, you can get the necessary equipment cheap enough, most licenses are over the counter, and finding the time on a couple weekends isn't too bad. Field dressing can be done by reading a good book, watching a video, even reading a thing or two on this webiste. But what I believe may be a major hang up for many is what to do with the meat

Well, this problem has been alleviated.

From the DNR news: Deer donated to food shelves will be processed at no cost to hunters this fall, thanks to a new program coordinated by the Minnesota departments of Natural Resources (DNR) and Agriculture.

The program will provide venison to those in need while encouraging hunters to help manage the deer herd by harvesting additional animals. Previously, hunters could donate deer to food shelves but had to pay processing costs themselves.

“DNR staff recognizes that ethically, hunters will not take more deer than they can consume,” said Lou Cornicelli, DNR big game program coordinator. “Simply asking someone to take another deer to manage populations provides only half of the picture. The venison donation program was developed to provide hunters an avenue to donate, at no cost to them, the extra deer they harvest.”

Processing costs are being offset through a $160,000 appropriation approved by the 2007 Legislature as well as an increase in nonresident hunting license fees. Hunters may also donate to the program. When purchasing a deer license, hunters will be asked if they want to voluntarily donate $1, $3 or $5 to the program. People can also donate by visiting one of 1,800 Electronic License System agents statewide. This year, a minimum of $280,000 is available to the program and will pay for processing more than 4,000 deer. Additional donations will allow for more processing.

“DNR has been working closely with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to create a program that is easy for all parties involved,” Cornicelli said.

For more information on donating your deer, click here

The link provides what you need to do to donate and who will take your donation. I hope more people will volunteer to donate both their kill and their money; it will be great to see how this year's effort turns out.

[VMS]

This is an awesome type of program!! Being that I work in the inner city schools, I see so many kids who's only reason to be at school is for a breakfast and a lunch...that is all they get for nourishment in a day. Anything we can do to help those in need is huge!! Shoot that extra Doe and donate it!!

Steve

[DonBo]

Not sure where all the donated venison is going...my shop is right next door to a food shelf and they WILL NOT! take any venison.

Does anyone know for sure what is happening to the donated meat?

[Scott K]

I know a jailer and he said the inmates eat venison in the fall.

[lcornice]

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Not sure where all the donated venison is going...my shop is right next door to a food shelf and they WILL NOT! take any venison.

Does anyone know for sure what is happening to the donated meat?

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Most of it goes through 2nd harvest for later distribution. While your food shelf may not accept venison, the vast majority are eager to get the meat.

[lcornice]

Quote:

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This is an awesome type of program!! Being that I work in the inner city schools, I see so many kids who's only reason to be at school is for a breakfast and a lunch...that is all they get for nourishment in a day. Anything we can do to help those in need is huge!! Shoot that extra Doe and donate it!!

Steve

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And don't forget to contribute a little money to the program when you buy your license. When you buy your license, the agent is supposed to ask if you want to donate $1, $3, or $5 to the program. If you want to donate without buying a license, you can go to an agent and tell them you want to donate to the program. They can take it from there.

[Ely Lake Expert]

This sounds like a good program. I will donate when I buy my license, but the what to do with the meat question in the first post. I'm gonna eat it. I love venison. I would like to shoot a couple deer just to have venison year around.

[Powerstroke]

Your food shelf may not accept venison from a private person because there are way too many variables and uncertainties about fresh meat. I'm sure they would refuse 10;talk of beef too if it was hand packaged.

Many food shelves do accept venison, but it must be processed and packaged by a qualified and reputable meat market to ensure proper handling and clean facilities.

I think this is a great program. Donate to it if you can and I think anyone who donates a deer should offer a $1 to the DNR for helping with this program. It allows all sides to accomplish goals that benefit everyone.

[vermilionwally]

When i bought my license they didnt ask me if I wanted to donate any money .

[lcornice]

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When i bought my license they didnt ask me if I wanted to donate any money

.

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I'm not surprised. It's been a huge problem. If you want to donate, you can do that by going to a vendor and just tell them you want to contribute to the venison donation program. They can process the transaction without a license sale.