The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) encourage deer hunters around the state to share their harvests through the state’s “Share the Harvest” program. Deer season in Missouri runs from September 15 through January 15, 2019.
A news release says “Share the Harvest” coordinates the efforts of thousands of deer hunters, numerous participating meat processors, many local supporting organizations and statewide sponsors to help feed hungry Missourians.
Thousands of Missouri deer hunters donated more than 289,200 pounds of venison to the program last deer season – including nearly 5,600 whole white-tailed deer. Since the program was started in 1992, “Share the Harvest” has provided nearly 4 million pounds of venison to help feed hungry Missourians.
The program works by deer hunters donating their extra venison — from several pounds to whole deer — to participating meat processors throughout the state who grind and package the deer meat. The packaged venison is then given to local food banks and food pantries for distribution to Missourians in need of food assistance.
Processing fees are covered entirely or in part by numerous local sponsors, along with statewide sponsors. Hunters should contact individual processors to determine what funds are available. The cost of processing is the hunter’s responsibility when funds to help cover the full cost of processing are not available.
You can find participating processors in MDC’s “2018 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information” booklet, online at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer/deer-share-harvest or by calling MDC at (573) 751-4115 or CFM at (573)634-2322.