BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – For years, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource’s “Hunt for the Hungry” program has allowed hunters to donate any deer they shot to local food pantries.
While the program makes a major difference, those in charge of the program in Brown County say it’s shrinking, at the height of need.
“This is a record year, last year was a record year, and we’ve just blown away that record,” says Craig Robbins, the executive director of Paul’s Pantry.
A program like Hunt for the Hungry, where hunters can donate their deer harvest, is vital.
“Protein is very important and it’s expensive to purchase, so this is a great way for us to receive something to be able to give out, another choice of meat,” says Robbins. “As far as venison goes, it’s higher in protein and lower in fat than regular hamburger.”
But over the years, deer donations have started to decline. This year is no exception.
“It’s down compared to what it was last year by about 20-30%, so it’s quite a bit of difference,” says Rick Rowell, the director of the Hunt for the Hungry program.
There are still 13 total days of the antlerless hunt, and the bow hunt season doesn’t end until early January. But Rowell says the bulk of yearly donations comes during the nine-day gun hunt that ended on Dec. 1.
“2,000 pounds would be a good year, 1,500 last year. . . We’re hoping for at least 1,200 pounds to come out of the program,” Robbins says.
Robbins and Rowell say one of the reasons for the decline is there are fewer hunters.
“That’s why we’re trying to get the younger generation out there and involved,” Rowell adds.
They say hands-on classes for future hunters are making a difference and keeping young Wisconsinites interested in the sport. But, they remind hunters now that they can enjoy the sport and make a difference for those in need.
“You gotta shoot these extra deer. If you got tags, fill them and bring them on in,” Rowell adds. “We take any wild game. I’m telling all the hunters out there, any wild game we’ll take, and venison for sure.”
“If you take a deer for your own household and you’ve got tags left over and you want to go out and hunt, fill those tags, bring the deer to us, and we’ll take it from there,” Robbins says.
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