Fee Waived for Venison Donation Program

December 9, 2016

The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has been informed that immediately following the Six-day Firearm Deer Season, the Hunters Helping the Hungry (HHH) program will be waiving the donation fee hunters usually pay while donating a deer weighing more than 50 pounds. Hunters will no longer be required to donate cash for the balance of the 2016/2017 seasons. The season concludes Saturday, December 10.

The HHH organization is encouraging all hunters to continue harvesting deer after the traditional season and assist our friends in the food bank system. Venison has become a very valuable item at the food banks. Donations will still be accepted if hunters wish to help with the cost of processing, but will not be mandatory. The fee waiver is only through February, 2017, seasons and only applies to field dressed deer that are more than 50 pounds.

Through December 1, 2016, HHH has helped deliver more than 9,960 pounds of venison, equating to 39,840 meals to the NJ food bank system. There are currently no state or federal funds for the program; the entire program is run directly from public donations.

For information on Hunters Helping the Hungry in New Jersey, and other ways you can help during this holiday season, visit www.huntershelpingthehungry.org.