Since 1991 Pennsylvania’s unique Hunters Sharing The Harvest (HSH) outreach program has channeled hunter’s donations of venison to local food banks, soup kitchens and needy families via a unique statewide network of county volunteer area coordinators and over cooperating butcher shops. The HSH venison sharing delivery system is recognized as one of the most successful among similar programs in about 40 states.

With final results now tabulated based on processor invoices and local food bank reports received to date, HSH Executive Director John Plowman and State Coordinator Ken Brandt estimate more than 78,000 pounds of venison found it’s way into hundreds of food bank, church, and social services feeding programs for eligible recipients. Actual meat donations were down from 2002, possibly linked to a decreased overall deer harvest and adverse weather-related hunting conditions.

Since last season, HSH has experienced a continued upgrade with many program services and staff, matched with widespread public support and involvement. Ne or additional local coordinators have been recruited for representing HSH in Adams, Berks, Blair, Cambria, Columbia, Cumberland, Fulton, Huntingdon, Luzerne, Wayne and York counties, along with additional meat processors currently being contracted in many unserved areas. Contact information for both county coordinators and HSH deer processors is maintained on the Game Commission’s HSH website link under Hunting Information.

Much of the success for this unique program is traced to expanded deer seasons, hunter incentives such as either-sex harvests, increased multi-county management unit antlerless deer license allocations, DMAP deer tags, and new urban municipality control programs. Financial assistance to offset processing costs has also increased, including the Game Commission’s $7,500 grant, DCNR’s $5,000 for DMAP deer donated from State Forest Lands, as well as funds from the PA Department of Agriculture and other agencies. By Participating with HSH is one way for hunters to be recognized as responsible and compassionate citizens in their communities.

Thanks to the financial assistance of over 40 sponsors, more processing opportunities are possible for meat donations particularly from non-hunting deer control sources where no hunter co-pay reimbursement is possible. Pennsylvania hunters, other individuals and business partners continue to generously support HSH with tax-deductible contributions, including woodland owners groups. Last year nearly $2,000 was contributed to the “Give A Buck For The Pot” donation collection campaign, with 2003-04 season donations exceeding $5,000. A clip-out coupon is again included with the HSH message in the 2004 PA Hunting Digest booklet distributed with each license.

To provide even easier access to the HSH donation system, for 2004 we’re pleased to announce the establishment of a new statewide toll-free telephone contact. Hunters with deer for the program who need information on area processors or general inquiries can call 866-474 (HSH)-2141, or refer to either www.sharedeer.org or www.pgc.state.pa.us websites (click on hunting information/select Hunters Sharing The Harvest) for the latest listings and other information.

HSH participating meat processors are equally important as a vital link in the venison sharing chain, with over 130 firms working with the program last year. These are private businesses that agree to accept deer for HSH and meet our standards for quality operational control. All of last season’s processors are being contacted regarding working again with us for the 2004 seasons. HSH reimburses participating butchers for the balance of these costs as invoiced and verified in order to avoid any interruption in meat deliveries to the food banks.

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PRESS RELEASE Sept. 18, 2004

2003 DONATION SEASON RESULTS – CHANGES AND NEW TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE NUMBER ANNOUNCED

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Last modified: 06/21/08