Hunters who are successful in the upcoming deer hunting seasons are encouraged by the Pennsylvania Game Commission to consider participating in the state's Hunters Sharing the Harvest (HSH) program, which channels donations of venison to local food banks, soup kitchens and needy families. Pennsylvania's HSH program is recognized as one of the most successful among similar programs in about 40 states.

"Using a unique network of local volunteer area coordinators and cooperating meat processors to process and distribute venison donated by hunters, HSH has really helped to make a difference for countless needy families and individuals in our state," said Game Commission Executive Director Vern Ross. "Pennsylvanians who participate in this extremely beneficial program should be proud of the role they play. HSH truly does make a tremendous difference."

Started in 1991, HSH has developed into a very refined support service for organizations that assist the Commonwealth's needy. In 2003, Hunters Sharing the Harvest donated more than 78,000 pounds of venison to hundreds of food banks, churches and social services feeding programs for meals provided to needy Pennsylvanians.

"This program is all about the generosity of hunters and their desire to share venison, the product of their good fortune afield," Ross said.

As part of the program, hunters are encouraged to take a deer to a participating meat processor and identify how much of their deer meat - from an entire deer to several pounds - that is to be donated to HSH. If the hunter is donating an entire deer, they are asked to make a $15 tax-deductible co-pay, and HSH will cover the remaining processing fees. However, a hunter can cover the entire costs of the processing, which is tax deductible as well.

Financial assistance to offset processing costs has also increased, including a $7,500 contribution from the Game Commission. Pennsylvania hunters, other individuals and business partners continue to generously support HSH with tax-deductible contributions. Last year nearly $2,000 was contributed to the "Give A Buck For The Pot" donation collection campaign. A clip-out coupon is again included with the HSH message on page 107 of the 2004-05 Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulation, which is distributed to each license buyer.

HSH established a statewide toll-free telephone number -- 866-474-2141 - which also can answer hunters' questions about where participating meat processors can be found or other general inquiries about the program.

To learn more about the program, visit the HSH website (www.sharedeer.org). Information also can be found on the Game Commission's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), by clicking on "Hunters & Trappers" and selecting "Hunters Sharing the Harvest."

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Pennsylvania Game Commission

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Last modified: 06/21/08