We were pleased to bring you news of a new way to help share in Missouri’s bounty by financially supporting the Share the Harvest program.
That program is already sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Federation of Missouri. But they could use your help as well. Here’s why.
Missouri has implemented a multiple deer tag system to help manage the abundant deer herd in the state. One needs only to drive down about any road in the lake area and count eyes glowing back from the side of the road to see just how well the herd is prospering.
Deer-vehicle accident reports are one factor MDC uses to gauge how to regulate the herd.
Many hunters can and do select the option to bag more than one deer per season. Many do not need the venison from several deer when one will do.
In 1994, the Share the Harvest program was started. Hunters bring the deer to a butcher’s shop for processing and the meat is given to a local food pantry for distribution.
Lake Conservation agent Eric Smith decided it would be better if the hunter didn’t have to fork out $75 per animal on top of donating the deer.
He thought if it costs less, maybe more deer would be donated, which would result in more hungry people being fed.
We think it’s a great idea, and encourage local businesses and individuals who are able to call Smith at 873-3011 to donate to help defray the processing costs.