$1 donation-deer meat

[obert]

If anyone is a member of NAHC, they'll know the article I'm speaking about. They have a bill in MN where they add one dollar for the donation of deer meat, but they have opposition from a hunting group. Maybe I can find the article on line, but until then, those that read it I was just curious on your thoughts.

[Ty Stromquist]

can you please explain this a little more. I have always wondered about donating deer but was told it needed to be totally processed first.

[obert]

You bet, I'm searching for the article now, otherwise I'll run home and grab it for any questions.

[flatcoats]

yea ive become more interested in donating deer too...(with season choice, rifle, and bow..i dont quite think theres enough freezer space)

[obert]

This isn't the article out of NAHC but it explains it more. I've got the mag. here but can't find the article online.

<H1>Venison donation program signed into state law

The long-debated state venison donation program was signed into law last week. The goal is to encourage hunters to thin Minnesota's deer herd while also stocking state foodshelves.
Last update: May 12, 2007 – 4:04 PM




The long-debated state venison donation program was signed into law last week. The goal is to encourage hunters to thin Minnesota's deer herd while also stocking state foodshelves.
The program will pay venison processing costs of $70 per deer. Funding comes from a $5 surcharge on nonresident hunting licenses, which is expected to raise about $122,000. And for the first year, $160,000 from the state's general fund will be added to that. Also, Minnesota deer hunters will be asked when they buy their hunting license if they want to contribute $1, $3 or $5 to the program.
After the first year, the general fund money will be dropped and replaced with a $1 surcharge on bonus deer tags purchased by hunters. Those tags, which now cost $13, allow hunters to shoot additional deer in areas with high deer densities. Hunters will continue to be asked to voluntarily contribute to the program.
The original proposal called for a $1 surcharge to state deer licenses, a plan opposed by the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association.
"It's a compromise," Mark Johnson, executive director of the group, said of the final plan. "Now we have to work together to make it a successful program. We'll promote it." Said Newell Searle of Second Harvest Heartland food bank: "This is a win-win on a lot of fronts. It makes hunters partners in providing food for people who aren't able to get enough of their own. We're excited."

</H1>

[obert]

Part of me says great idea, another part I have to ?

That part I kind of frown on is those that will just get tags just to shoot something, b/c now they don't have to do anything but drop it off. Though, that is looking at the worst.

[Mako]

I'm no hunter, but how much meat do you think gets tossed out every year because people's freezers get full, or they don't get it eaten? I guess I can kind of see the argument that people will go out and shoot something because they can just shoot it, then drop it off, but then there's food for other people. Do you think that there will be too much excess of meat that will be donated? Too many more hunters out there? Just curious.

[obert]

I'm in favor of it, that is just one of my worries. But I know some guys who every year get all the permits they can, then sit there with 2-3 deer they can't get rid of. The best thing about this, is instead of the deer getting tossed in the ditch or their trash pile it can be donated. I'm very much in favor of it, but some guys might say "hey I can go shoot a deer and drop it off now." I'll admit, it's just my selfish opinion that one (for a couple reasons). But all and all the benefit is great and I'd be all for it.

[flatcoats]

how is deer donation handled in nebraska? anyone know the process or costs involved

[obert]

I thought that you have to pay for quite a bit of processing, if not all of it. Didn't they just change something on this recently?

[Chum]

the deer has to be totally processed. and only certain lockers will do donations. the butcher waves a percentage of the processing cost. but you still have to pay for it to be done is my understanding.

[elkstalkr]

Chum is correct here in NE you pretty much pay for the full processing when you donate a deer and they grind the whole thing to burger.

After some thought, I am totally for this charge. I mean it makes hunters look GREAT. We are feeding the hungry/needy!!! How can you go wrong doing that? I for one would donate a deer every year if it were "free" simply by adding a $1 charge to every tag that is marked for donation meat.

I simply don't see how this could be a bad thing. Who cares if people are shooting to donate? They are putting food in the mouths of the hungry, thats wonderful! The hunter has a great time pursuing the passion he loves and someone who sincerely needs food gets it. WIN WIN SITUATION.

[Alex T.]

I'm all for donating deer meat as long as I don't have to pay the processing fees. I think paying for the permit,costs to hunt,etc. is enough of a donation.Add $1 for a donation fee,no problem. I like to eat deer meat and really like to deer hunt but I won't spend the money to have more than 1 deer processed a year.For me to shoot more than 1 deer would be a waste of meat sitting in the freezer every year.Get the processing fee waived from donated deer and I'll be more than happy to shoot 2-3 deer for the needy/hungry.

Alex

[BPbowhunter]

Just read that same article today in my NAHC.

[cut2040]

i work for a place in omaha that accepts donations yes if it need cleaned we charge you for the processing if its clean we dont they are tring to change it in nebraska iowa does pay the processing charge

[BPbowhunter]

So are you saying if the deer is gutted you guys pay the processing, but if it isnt gutted then the person donating has to pay the processing?

[cut2040]

no it has to be skinned and boned theen we add it to the rest of the donated wild game for hunters for the hungry then no charge. but if we have to process then yes we have to charge the hunter

[flatcoats]

id be willing to do that, most in the time in the earlier part of the season youd need to get on skinning and gutting pretty quickly after harvest anyways...plus it not like that costs you anything more than some time...id be interested in having more info about that program if you could pm me something

[obert]

I like that deal too. I'd be more than happy to put in that little extra work.

[burrodebo]

Originally Posted by Alex T.

I'm all for donating deer meat as long as I don't have to pay the processing fees. I think paying for the permit,costs to hunt,etc. is enough of a donation.Add $1 for a donation fee,no problem. I like to eat deer meat and really like to deer hunt but I won't spend the money to have more than 1 deer processed a year.For me to shoot more than 1 deer would be a waste of meat sitting in the freezer every year.Get the processing fee waived from donated deer and I'll be more than happy to shoot 2-3 deer for the needy/hungry.

Alex