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Since deer hunting season opened in early October, hunters across Massachusetts have already donated over 750 pounds of venison—the equivalent to more than 3,000 meals—through MassWildlife’s Hunters Share the Harvest Program. And with over 7 weeks of deer hunting season remaining, this already impressive number will continue to grow. When MassWildlife launched the donation program as a pilot in 2022, hunters donated about 1,500 meals.
“The fact that we have already doubled the meals donated last year with two months of deer season remaining is incredible,” said Mark Tisa, MassWildlife Director. “Hunters and the wildlife conservation community are making a big impact addressing food insecurity in Massachusetts.”
It is estimated that over 15% of Massachusetts households do not have access to sufficient food to meet their basic needs. So, donations of venison—an organic, lean source of protein—make a big difference. Donated meat from the Hunters Share the Harvest Program is distributed through partnering food programs, including the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation's Food4Vets.
“Fresh meat can be incredibly hard to source for our food pantry,” said Sarah Fecteau, Chief Financial Officer for the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation. “The donated venison was very popular with our patrons last year. It means so much to our veterans and active-duty military families who can come and get fresh and healthy meat.”
MassWildlife’s Hunters Share the Harvest has expanded and now hunters can make donations at three approved processors. Hunters can donate a portion of their harvest or their entire deer. Those who donate their full deer pay no processing fee, and those who donate at least 15 pounds will receive a $50 discount on their processing fee.
“Hunters Share the Harvest is truly a win-win program”, said Martin Feehan, MassWildlife’s Deer Project Leader. “Not only does it provide meals to those in need, but it is also helping our forests by reducing the impacts of overabundant deer and fostering growth of young tree saplings. Hunters play this important role of both conserving our forests and providing food to our communities.”
Even if you do not hunt, you can still help support the Program with a monetary contribution. Money is needed to cover the cost of processing and packaging costs. A $50 donation provides 75 servings of meat for families in need.