Hunting And Outdoor Sports
Hunters Feeding Michigan program to provide harvested deer to the hungry
Hunters Feeding Michigan program to provide harvested deer to the hungry
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Michigan
MICHIGAN (WNEM) Some hunters will be harvesting deer to help the hungry as they head out for the opening of firearm deer season. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is partnering with Feeding America and a network of processors across the state to provide venison donations to people in need. Hunters Feeding Michigan deer donation drives are taking place later this month. Oh I think its a great event, said Andy Gorske, co-owner of Franks Great Outdoors in Linwood. Weve been doing it probably the last three or four years theyve been having it. And every year theres more and more deer that people stop by and donate their deer. Its been a pretty good program. Franks Great Outdoors is one of a pair of Mid-Michigan locations accepting deer during Hunters Feeding Michigan deer donation drives on Nov. 21, 22, and 23. Jays Sporting Goods in Clare is also receiving deer donations. Hunters can drop deer off at either location from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21 and Saturday, Nov. 22, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23. They bring a refrigerated truck here, and they take the deer, they take care of everything, said Gorske. And the guys that drop off deer and donate them, we give them a $20 Franks Great Outdoors gift card so that they can get another tag. At least they dont have to use their tag up to donate a deer. So, its a win-win situation for everybody. Thirteen deer processors across the state are also participating throughout hunting season. Gorske said it is hard to bag a buck, so donating it is no small thing. Thats very generous of the hunters that want to donate their deer, said Gorske. Some guys dont want to mess with it. They just like to go to deer camp and hang out, and enjoy the camaraderie, and being away, and enjoying the things outdoors. And its a good thing if they dont want the deer, they can pass it along to somebody that really needs it. All deer must be legally harvested, harvest-reported and whole to be accepted for donation. The initiative not only supports hungry individuals but also fosters a sense of community among hunters. This year, the program aims to increase outreach to ensure more deer are donated and processed for those in need. With more processors participating, the potential for increased contributions is substantial. The success of the program in recent years suggests a growing trend among the hunting community to engage in social responsibility. By donating harvested deer, hunters not only contribute to alleviating hunger in their local communities but also find a productive purpose for game that might otherwise go unutilized. As hunters prepare for the upcoming season, it is evident that initiatives like Hunters Feeding Michigan resonate deeply within the hunting culture, aligning outdoor pursuits with charitable efforts. Taking part in such initiatives can provide a different perspective on hunting, recognizing the importance of community service and sharing the bounty of nature with those less fortunate. For many hunters, this can transform the act of hunting into a more fulfilling experience, reinforcing the bond between tradition and community support.