Illinois Hunters Will Donate Deer to Food Banks

Venison is finding its way into the larders of needy Illinois families, thanks to deer hunters.

More than 1.4 million venison meals have been provided to needy families through food banks and food pantries, due to whole deer donated by deer hunters and distributed through the Illinois Sportsmen Against Hunger (ISAH) program, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

IDNR once again this year is urging hunters to help out during the 2007-2008 fall and winter deer hunting season.

The program coordinates the donation and processing of the deer into venison bound for Illinois food banks, food pantries, and charitable organizations.

"We appreciate the thousands of deer hunters in Illinois who have made a habit over the years of donating deer they harvest to help feed needy people in the state," said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Acting Director Sam Flood. "The Illinois Sportsmen Against Hunger Program really does make a difference, helping turn the abundance of deer in Illinois into a bounty for food for less fortunate families."

Since 1989, the program has helped manage the distribution of more than 359,000 pounds of venison.

The Department of Natural Resources and Illinois Conservation Foundation encourage hunters this fall to donate deer as well as a tax-deductible $50 contribution through the hunger program to help cover the cost of processing the deer into ground venison.

The department is also providing $100,000 to assist in covering venison processing expenses for the program. That donation is funded by revenue from non-resident archery deer permit fees.

"Illinois food banks and food assistance programs served more than 4 million meals last year in Illinois," said Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary Carol L. Adams, PhD. "Partnering with IDNR and local organizations to receive food donations helps us achieve our goal of providing people in need with a balanced diet."