Wednesday, November 19, 2003
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Wednesday, November 19, 2003 |
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Hunters feed the hungry Generous Georgia hunters donated 326 harvested deer to the Hunters for the Hungry (HFTH) program during the first collection weekend (Nov. 1-2), according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). ÊThe venison from the deer will help provide warm, nutritious meals for hundreds of less fortunate Georgians. The WRD would like to encourage all hunters to donate a deer,or two, or three during the next collection weekend,Nov. 29-30 at six drop-off locations around the state or bring a harvested deer to any of the three processor sites that are collecting deer all month. “Donations are somewhat down from this same time last year,” said WRD Director Noel Holcomb. “However, the warm weather during the first collection weekend may have deterred some hunters from getting out into the woods. We hope that there will be an increase in donations for the next collection weekend and that the three processors who are participating also will see an increase in donations by the end of the month so that we can provide as much venison as possible to those who need it.” HFTH is an annual event where hunters can donate harvested deer at designated collection sites during specific times. The deer are processed into ground venison and then distributed to food banks statewide by the Atlanta Community Food Bank, representing the Georgia State Association of Food Banks. Hunters interested in participating should bring field-dressed deer to any of the designated drop-off locations. ÊThe following six locations will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 29-Nov. 30: • Social Circle - WRD Fish Hatchery on Hwy. 278 (1.5 miles north of Exit 101 off I-20). • Lexington - Oglethorpe County Farmerâs Market on U.S. Hwy 78. Ê • Newnan - Ga. Hwy 34 bypass Ê(north of Newnan, east of intersection with Ga. Hwy 16). • Dallas - Paulding Forest Wildlife Management Area. • Gainesville - Hall County Farmer’s Market. • Rome - Berry College Wildlife Management Area Check Station. For more information on donating game to those in need during other times of the year, call the Atlanta Community Food Bank at 404- 892-FEED. For more information on the HFTH program, visit the WRD website at www.gohuntgeorgia.com or call 770-535-5700. Ê
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