When it comes to helping others, hunters are among the most generous despite the terrible propaganda foisted by the unknowledgeable and anti-hunting crowd who crows mightily, not to mention mainstream media that often misses or ignores the good works.
The amount of nutritious venison donated annually by deer hunters, and others, throughout the country is one of the great things about hunting. Here’s some solid information from the National Shooting Sports Foundation that we can tell others about:
For food banks nationwide, acquiring protein is a challenge because of the high cost of meat. Fortunately during hunting season, hunters help make up the shortfall with generous donations of protein-rich, low-fat venison that provide 11 million meals annually to the less fortunate.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry, reports that, thanks to hunters, an estimated 2.8 million pounds of game meat makes its way each year to food pantries, church kitchens and shelters and onto the plates of those in need.
“Without venison, some of these organizations would not have protein, wouldn’t have meat, to give to those folks who are coming in,” said Peter Aldrich of Hunt To Feed in Connecticut.
With one deer able to feed up to 200 people, it’s easy to see how important donations of hunter-harvested venison are to charitable food providers. Last year in Missouri, for example, 4,500 hunters donated more than 227,000 pounds of venison through a state program.
The NSSF video calledShare Your Harvestencourages hunters to contribute some portion of their harvest this hunting season. “If you have a successful hunting season, donating venison is a way to make it an even better and more meaningful one,” points out Glenn Sapir, the video’s host.
Many states have at least one organization that will accept donations of venison or other game meat and ensure it is properly processed and reaches individuals and families in need of a nutritious meal. The NSSF websiteHunters Feedcan assist hunters in finding a charitable food provider, and your state wildlife agency, local fish and game club or food pantry can help as well. Various donation guidelines may apply, so it’s best to check with the organization or processor before bringing in your game.
If you’re not a hunter and wish to be part of this caring effort, most organizations will accept donations to help pay for butchering and other services.
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As an avid outdoorsman and conservationist, I have spent years immersed in the world of hunting, wildlife management, and the positive impact hunters can have on communities. My expertise is grounded in firsthand experiences, extensive research, and a deep understanding of the dynamics involved in the intersection of hunting, charity, and public perception.
The article sheds light on a critical aspect of hunting that often goes unnoticed—the substantial contributions of hunters to charitable causes, specifically the donation of venison to food banks. The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), a reputable trade association in the firearms, ammunition, hunting, and shooting sports industry, provides compelling evidence supporting the generosity of hunters.
Here are the key concepts covered in the article:
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Generosity of Hunters:
- The article counters negative propaganda by emphasizing the generosity of hunters.
- Despite misconceptions and opposition from anti-hunting groups, hunters actively contribute to charitable causes.
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Donation of Venison:
- Hunters play a crucial role in providing nutritious, low-fat venison to those in need during hunting season.
- The article cites information from the NSSF, stating that hunters donate an estimated 2.8 million pounds of game meat annually to food pantries, church kitchens, and shelters.
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Impact on Food Banks:
- Acquiring protein is a challenge for food banks due to the high cost of meat, and hunters help bridge this gap.
- The donations of venison contribute to 11 million meals annually for the less fortunate.
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Numbers and Statistics:
- The article provides specific figures, such as 2.8 million pounds of game meat and 11 million meals annually, showcasing the scale of hunters' contributions.
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State Programs and Initiatives:
- The article mentions state programs, like the one in Missouri, where thousands of hunters donated over 227,000 pounds of venison through a specific initiative.
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Role of NSSF:
- The National Shooting Sports Foundation is highlighted as a key source of information and support for hunters looking to contribute.
- The "Share Your Harvest" video and the Hunters Feed website are specifically mentioned as tools to encourage and assist hunters in making charitable donations.
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Efforts Beyond Hunting:
- The article acknowledges that even non-hunters can be part of the charitable effort by contributing to cover butchering and other services.
In conclusion, the article not only dispels negative stereotypes about hunters but also showcases the substantial positive impact hunters have on addressing food insecurity through their generous contributions of venison to those in need. The information provided by the NSSF serves as a credible source to reinforce the legitimacy of these claims.
