Have a successful hunt? Donate some meat

As many of us get prepared to spend another  (hopefully cooler) Saturday in the woods, now might be the perfect time to start thinking about what we’ll do after we enjoy a successful hunt.

Sure, we’ll drive to our buddy’s house and show him our deer. Sure, we’ll call the meat-cutter and tell him we’re on the way. Heck, we might even call our favorite taxidermist to arrange for a mount.

We can make another phone call, however, that will have a lasting effect on some of our neighbors.

The folks at the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry issued a press release this week reminding hunters that the state’s Hunters for the Hungry program is up and running, and is looking for donations of meat from hunters like you.

“Mainers have a tradition of helping their neighbors, and this is a meaningful way for the state’s sportsmen and sportswomen to help game management while providing thousands of pounds of nutritious meals to hungry people across the state,” ACF commissioner Walt Whitcomb said in the news release. “I want to thank those hunters and processors who have kindly donated in the past and encourage everyone who is successful in this year’s hunt to consider a contribution, even of just a few pounds.”

According to the release, Maine’s Hunters for the Hungry program was founded in 1996 and has grown steadily since. A year ago almost 3,000 pounds of meat was donated by hunters.

The meat-processing costs are paid for by the ACF or by the charity that receives the meat, and the ACF estimates that one deer can provide about 110 meals.

An important consideration: The program is not allowed to accept donations of wild fowl or game birds.

So, get out there on Saturday and have some fun. Hopefully, you fill your tag and take home a deer.

Then, if you’re so inclined, call 1-888-4DEER-ME to help others in need.

You’ll be glad you did.

 

John Holyoke

About John Holyoke

John Holyoke has been enjoying himself in Maine's great outdoors since he was a kid. Today, he's the Outdoors editor for the BDN, a job that allows him to meet up with Maine outdoors enthusiasts in their natural habitat. The stories he gathers provide fodder for his columns, and this blog.