(WXYZ) — Michigan deer hunters are on track to donate an all-time record amount of venison and dollars to feed hungry families across the state, according to a release from the Michigan Wildlife Council.
Projections reportedly show that hunters will donate over 58,000 pounds of venison and $100,000 to Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger, a nonprofit.
The amount of meat is enough for 232,000 meals, which would surpass last year's record of 208,580 meals.
“These donations of meat and money are some of the many ways Michigan sportsmen and sportswomen make a positive impact on the quality of life in our state,” said Matt Pedigo, chair of the Michigan Wildlife Council, in a press release.
Legislators established the Sportsmen Against Hunger Fund in 2005, which allowed hunters and anglers to donate money to the food program when purchasing hunting and fishing licenses.
There are two different ways a hunter may participate in the MSAH program. Successful hunters have the option to donate a pound or more of their processed deer to go to local food pantries when they pay for their processing. They also can drop off and donate their whole deer at a processing facility to be processed at no cost to them.
