KAIT-Jonesboro, AR-News, weather, sports, classifieds-Urban deer hunts provide meals for less fortunate
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According to AHFH president Ronnie Ritter, the organization is a highly successful program that has been in place in Arkansas since 2000. "The success of the program depends upon the generosity of hunters to donate venison and other wild game, cooperation from meat processors throughout the state, support from local food distribution organizations and the financial contributions of businesses and other citizens," he said.
Deer meat donations don't only come from the urban hunts, hunters also can donate one deer or a portion of a deer from the state's deer season and help the state's less fortunate, Ritter says. "There are about 50 meat processors statewide who accept and process venison and other wild game from hunters for the program," Ritter explained.
Four cities have utilized urban deer hunting to reduce deer numbers in their communities this year. According to Ritter, Hot Springs Village recently concluded their urban hunt with a total of more than 4,000 pounds of venison donated to AHFH. "Cherokee Village, Horseshoe Bend and Bull Shoals urban hunts will conclude in January, but they have already donated over 6,000 pounds of meat for needy families. These are some very impressive totals so far. I expect these urban hunts to be a big part of our future," he said.
For more information on Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry, go to http://www.agfc.com/hunting/ahfh.aspx.
