Thankful: Please Donate Your Venison to the Hungry

This year, let's show America just how generous we hunters are by remembering the less fortunate.

by posted on November 2, 2022
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Venison Donation Lede

It's a happy coincidence that Thanksgiving and Opening Day of whitetail season tend to fall so closely together each year ... and in many places in America, they're celebrated with the same level of joy. But whether your most fervent prayers of gratitude follow the harvest of a deer or precede the slicing of a turkey, now's the time of year to remember the less fortunate. Sadly, there are a lot of families struggling with recent inflation spikes ... especially the prices for fresh, healthy meat. Happily, we NRA Women are in a unique position to help in a very direct way.

As you probably know, charitable food pantries rely heavily on donated items to stock their shelves. If you're thinking that begins and ends with canned-food drives, you may be in for a surprise. In many cases, food pantries also accept donations in the form of processed game. If you live somewhere where harvest tags are in good supply, and your own freezer is looking a little overstuffed, consider harvesting another animal to donate to your local food pantry. It’s a tremendous help for both conservation and the community.

The donation process works differently from state to state. In general, the first thing you should do is to contact your state fish and game agency (here's a handy list of them by state). Some agencies list their requirements on their websites, but you may need to place a phone call. Once you know what your state requires and where approved processing stations are, you can also check whether there are national or state organizations that will pay for the butchering. (Most hunters don't need to pay anything to make a donation.)

Our friends at Whitetails Unlimited note that there are many organizations, such as Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry and Hoosiers Feeding Hungry, that can help you offset the processing costs associated with donated game. These organizations also work with food pantries in their respective areas to see that they are stocked with donated game. Many state fish and game agencies also have their own programs to distribute donated game.

This year, let's try to make sure everyone has something to be thankful for ... even if it's just a healthy meal.

Latest

Women For Gun Rights Logo (1)
Women For Gun Rights Logo (1)

Women for Gun Rights Applauds Bipartisan Momentum for the "Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act"

A Maine Democrat representative has cosponsored the legislation, demonstrating courage by putting constitutional principles above partisanship.

Safety Tips for the New School Year 

The start of school means changes in navigating schedules, transportation and physical locations. Here are a few strategies to help ensure your children are safe throughout this shift in daily rhythms.

ConcealedCarry Load Out for Running, Walking, Hiking

Depending on what you're doing, your activities call for a different level of personal protection. Here’s a rundown of what to put in your pack for each.

What NRA Shotgun Instructors Need To Know About Patterning

If you or your students have ever wondered why you missed that easy shot, or if you are having trouble improving your shotgun skills, the trouble might be the relationship between your choke and barrel.

Understanding and Mitigating Shotgun Recoil

What’s really going on when you shoot a shotgun, and how can you make it hurt less?

What’s the Difference: Reflex Sights With Open Emitter vs. Closed Emitter

When it comes to red-dot optics, should you go with a closed emitter or an open emitter? What’s the difference?

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.