Michigan hunters donate 58K lbs of venison and $100K to feed 232K hungry people

Michigan deer hunters are donating an all-time record amount of venison this holiday season to Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger.

The nonprofit group partners with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Food Bank Council of Michigan in helping connect hunters to charities that feed people in need. The donated meat is given to local food banks and homeless shelters.

The Rapidian reported that 2019 has been a record-breaking year. Michigan hunters have donated more than 58,000 pounds of venison, which is enough meat to serve 232,000 meals. They've also donated $100,000.

Last year, 52,145 pounds of meat, which served 208,580 meals, and $99,629 were donated.

"Meat is something food banks, food pantries and shelters can never get enough of because it’s so costly,” said Dean Hall, executive director of the group. "Thanks to the generosity of hunters — whether they donate several pounds or a whole deer — we’re able to help fill thousands of hungry bellies every year.”

The food program gets the biggest boost of donations during firearm deer season, which runs from Nov. 15-30.

According to the Michigan Wildlife Council, a study released this year by Michigan United Conservation Clubs showed that deer hunting supports nearly 136,000 jobs annually. It  adds $8.9 billion to the Michigan economy, with the greatest impact in southeast Michigan.

“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. “Sportsmen not only help protect and enhance our beautiful forests, waters and wildlife, they often support their neighbors in need.”

More:Archery deer season extended until Jan. 31 in Oakland, Macomb, Wayne counties

More:Deer hunters’ impact on the state extends far beyond Michigan’s fields and woods

Contact Bisma Parvez at 313-222-1881 or bparvez@gannett.com Follow her on Twitter @bismapar