Deer hunters in Michigan can help feed thousands of people in need this fall and winter by donating all or part of their harvest to the Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger program.

Since 1991, this all-volunteer, nonprofit organization has been working to help hunters join forces with a network of meat processors and charities that feed needy individuals throughout Michigan.

“Hunters in Michigan donated more than 50,000 pounds of venison to the program last year, providing help to families in need in all parts of the state,” said Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director Rebecca Humphries. “We are grateful for the support of hunters who donate venison, whether it’s as little as a few pounds or the whole deer. It’s a very satisfying feeling to help someone who is less fortunate.”

Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger is a grassroots effort, operated entirely by sportsmen and sportswomen who are concerned about making a positive difference in the community. Their efforts are generously supported by Safari Club International, the Michigan United Conservation Clubs, Michigan Bow Hunters Association, Ted Nugent World Bowhunters and the United Methodist Men’s Club.

“Wild game is good, nutritious food, and the liberal hunting regulations in Michigan make it possible for most hunters to shoot more than they can use,” said MSAH President Louis Krick. “Sharing the bounty of the hunt is as old as humankind, and last year’s deer season provided hunters with more than 26 million pounds of venison. Just a fraction of that could put nearly 500,000 meals into the hands of those in need.”

And the food is desperately needed. According to the Food Bank Council of Michigan, nearly 44 percent of family members in households that receive emergency food assistance are children. Six percent are elderly and nearly 70 percent have incomes below the official federal poverty level.

“Half of those who receive food are the very young or the very old; the most vulnerable members of our state,” said FBCM Executive Director Jane Marshall. “And nearly 40 percent of the families needing help are the working poor; families who cannot afford groceries despite having someone in the household who works.

Marshall also said one of the myths about hunger is that it is only a big city problem. “Hunger strikes people in rural, suburban and urban communities. Forty percent of Michigan’s hungry people live in rural or suburban areas,” she said.

Hunters, who wish to donate venison to the program, should take their deer to the nearest participating MSAH meat processor. Although processing costs are the responsibility of the donor, many processors will offer a substantial discount or even free processing to hunters participating in the program.

Let the processor know how much meat you wish to donate and they will set it aside for pickup by a MSAH volunteer who will distribute the meat to a local food bank or soup kitchen.

If you already have packaged meat in your freezer, it can be dropped off at one of these locations. To comply with state and federal game laws, keep your kill tag for verification and take it with you to the drop-off station.

For the list of drop-off stations, call the Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger Hotline: 313-278-FOOD (3663), or visit their Web site: www.sportsmenagainsthunger.org.

If there is no drop-off station near you, contact the Food Bank Council of Michigan at 800-552-4483, and they will direct you to the nearest charitable organization in your area, where you can deliver a processed donation yourself. After making the delivery, contact the MSAH to let them know how much meat you delivered.