GREEN LAKE COUNTY, Wis. — Hunters here are making a real difference. They’re teaming up with a local initiative called “Donate A Deer,” which collects venison for families in need, especially as the holiday season approaches.
Recently, a remarkable donation saw ten deer piled in the back of a truck, all bound for local food pantries. Todd Morris, a conservationist in Green Lake County, noted, “That’s the largest one-time donation we have seen.”
For four years, the county’s land conservation department has organized this drive. It began as a response to the absence of a local meat processor, allowing the community to turn successful hunts into vital meals for those who need them. On average, around 15 deer are collected, providing about 350 pounds of venison.
The timing is crucial. As the holidays approach, many more families turn to food pantries. “They appreciate it,” Morris said, highlighting the increasing demand during winter months.
Among the generous hunters is 10-year-old Oliver Breister, who contributed three deer. Oliver shared, “We have a lot of venison at home, so we’d like to give some away.” Each deer is processed at Leroy Meats and delivered straight to the Green Lake County food pantry, which serves between 80 to 100 families every Tuesday.
Kristin Dorsch, an aging and ARDC coordinator, emphasized the importance of donations. “Considering we are very rural, we serve a lot of families within our community,” she said. As demand rises, these donations are essential for keeping their freezers stocked.
Hunting can be a way to provide for others. Oliver put it simply when asked why giving back is important: “Because you can help feed people that need it.”
With the holidays nearing, hunters are encouraged to donate anytime during the season, ensuring that local families continue to receive support through the winter months.
For more details on community programs like this, you can check out resources from Feeding America, which connects communities with food relief efforts.
