Michigan Hunters Target the Hungry

It may be illegal to feed the deer during hunting season in Michigan, but hunters are feeding the hungry by donating venison.

Hunger is an epidemic as 1 in 8 Americans don't have enough food to eat. In 2015, almost 1.5 million people in Michigan were food insecure. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger are taking aim at the problem with a program designed to use deer donations to feel the hungry.

Since 1991, MSAH has been working to help connect donors, wild game processors and charities that feed needy individuals. Over the last few years, the Sportsmen Against Hunger program has helped provide over 100,000 meals annually. Fox 17 reports, "according to the Michigan Wildlife Council, venison donations through the program could top 58,000 pounds this year; an all-time record! That's enough to provide more than 230,000 meals for Michigan families."

If you are interested in helping out, visit a participating processor. You can either leave the whole deer or donate a portion of the deer. An updated list of processors can be obtained by calling the Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger hotline at 586-552-6517 or visit SportsmenAgainstHunger.org.