Hunters Ease Hunger Across America

Hunters have always been generous, but a new infographic from the National Shooting Sports Foundation illustrates their massive contributions to help America's hungry.

The graphic, Hunters Feed Those in Need, said the almost 2.8 million pounds of game meat donated annually by hunters provides more than 11 million meals for needy people at shelters, food banks and church kitchens.

“When you're gathering with family and friends this holiday season, here's a story to tell — one that would not be possible without the thoughtfulness and generosity of hunters,” the graphic said.

The graphic reported that hunters harvest about 6.5 million white-tailed deer per year — 55 percent does, 45 percent bucks — which equates to about 400 million pounds of meat, 1.6 billion meals and $6.5 billion in meat.

Virginia topped the list for venison donations with about 405,000 pounds annually. Iowa was second with 312,000 pounds, and Missouri, Texas and Ohio rounded out the top 5 with 237,000 pounds, 214,000 pounds and 180,000 pounds per year.

The South was the top donating region, with almost 1.27 million pounds of meat annually, providing about 5.07 million meals. That accounts for 45.7 percent of total donations. The Midwest was second, with almost 1.30 million pounds of venison and 5.12 million meals. It accounted for 46.1 percent of donations. The Northeast was third, with 201,110 pounds of venison and 804,440 meals, and the West was fourth, with 27,130 pounds of meat and 108,520 meals.

The graphic also pointed out that hunters donate other types of wild meat, including elk, moose, bear, rabbits, turkeys, antelope, pheasants waterfowl and feral pigs.

Top game-meat donation organizations include Hunters Helping the Hungry, Hunters for the Hungry and Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry. The graphic also mentioned the NSSF's Share the Harvest website, which includes information on how to make a game-meat donation.