Hunters donated 733 harvested deer to the 2005 Hunters for the Hungry (HFTH) program, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). This year’s donations will provide approximately 18,000 pounds of venison that food banks across the state will use to make nutritious meals for thousands of needy Georgians this holiday season. This brings the grand total of donated deer to 6,534 since the program’s inception in 1993.

“The response of hunters in Georgia to this program is phenomenal,” says WRD Director Dan Forster. “We are so pleased to be a part of this program and owe a debt of gratitude to these dedicated sportsmen.”

The HFTH program is an annual event that occurs during November. Hunters donate harvested deer at designated collection sites located around the state – some of these sites are open on two select weekends of the month, and others are open all month long. The deer are processed into ground venison and donated to the Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB). The ACFB then distributes the meat to non-profit agencies responsible for providing food assistance to local communities throughout the state. Hunters who donate a deer receive entry into a Georgia Wildlife Federation (GWF) sponsored drawing for a deer rifle.

The annual Governor’s Quail Hunt funds the HFTH program. During this event corporate and individual sponsors donate funds that help pay for the processing of the venison.

For more information on the HFTH program, visit the WRD website at www.gohuntgeorgia.com or call 706-295-6041. If information is needed on donating game to those in need during other times of the year, call the ACFB at 404-892-FEED.

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