Hunters urged to donate venison to needy

A New Brunswick group is asking hunters to donate any leftover deer meat to help feed the less fortunate.

Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry,based on a similar program in the U.S., distributes venison to soup kitchens throughout the province.

Caroline Trueman, executive director of the organization, started the program last year after receiving approval from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

"Our goal is just to reach as many hunters as we possibly can and just say, Please, this is no cost to you. You donate your deer and you walk away, you fill out a little log sheet, you get a DNR transfer permit and you walk away,'" she said.

Last year the group collected more than 725 kilograms of venison.

'Great use of the resource'

That seemed like a good idea to bow hunter David McCrae.

"My wife and I dont need to eat a whole deer anymore," he said. "My familys all grown up and moved away and its just a good thing to do."

McCrae donated 22 kilograms.

An average-sized deer can feed as many as 200 people.

"I think its a great program," said Rob Cumberland, a biologist with the DNR.

"Its an opportunity for people that want to donate a deer to feed hungry people at the soup kitchens throughout the province. In my mind, its a great use of the resource."

Trueman, who is also a hunter, said she wants to expand the program to include moose and to donate the meat to food banks as well.