Georgia hunters fight hunger

December 23, 2008 02:06 pm

— Submitted by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources

SOCIAL CIRCLE — At the peak of the busy holiday season, food banks across the state are getting some much needed help from deer hunters.
Food banks have benefited from donations received by hunters through the Georgia Hunters for the Hungry program for the past 15 years. Just last year, nearly 29,000 pounds of venison - a weight equivalent to 143,00 meals - were collected, processed and distributed to food banks across the state.
As the holiday season continues, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division reminds hunters that opportunities to donate are still available now through Jan. 15.
“The Georgia Hunters for the Hungry program is one opportunity for hunters to demonstrate their generosity by sharing their harvest with those in need,” says John Bowers, Wildlife Resources Division assistant chief of Game Management. “The division is proud to be a cooperator in this public-private partnership and to work with the many partners who make it possible each year.”
Hunters interested in participating should bring field-dressed deer to any of the drop-off locations listed below. All hunters who donate a deer during this collection period will be entered into a drawing for a deer rifle, sponsored by the Georgia Wildlife Federation.
The following processor locations will accept deer now through Jan. 15, 2009, during business hours:
• Axson - Lee’s Deer & Meat Processing (912) 422-3079
• Baldwin - JJ’s Deer Processing (706) 776-2819
• Canton - Mitch’s Archery & Deer Cooler (770) 479-7004
• Columbus - Daffin’s Meat Processing (706) 322-8848
• Dawson - Mossey Creek Outdoors (229) 995-4109
• Irwinton - Starley’s Deer Processing (478) 946-8976
• Jefferson - Sealy’s Deer Cooler (706) 335-9304
• Sparta - Garner’s Grinder (706) 444-9228
• Tifton - Safety-Rite Foods (229) 382-1242
• Vidalia - Stewart’s Quality Meats, Inc. (912) 537-9888
The Wildlife Resources Division, along with the Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Agriculture, Georgia Wildlife Federation and the Georgia State Association of Food Banks sponsor the program
Since the program’s inception in 1993, more than 225,000 pounds of venison have been donated.
For more information on donating food 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 GHFTH program, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com, www.gwf.org, contact a WRD Game Management office or call (770) 761-3045.