HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania’s rifle deer season begins today, with less than ideal conditions.  Instead of the light snow cover that makes deer easy to track and spot, the day will be damp and chilly. 

The state Agricultural Department is reminding hunters they can help feed hungry families by donating extra deer meat to a statewide distribution network, the Department of Agriculture said today.

“More than ever, families are turning to food banks and pantries to keep food on their tables,” said Deputy Agriculture Secretary Michael Pechart,. “By supporting Hunters Sharing the Harvest, hunters can help ensure Pennsylvanians have enough to eat this winter.”

Participating hunters can take their deer to one of the nearly 80 participating meat processors throughout the state and identify how much of the venison – from several pounds to the whole animal – they would like to donate.

If the entire deer is donated, the hunter is asked to make a minimum $15 tax-deductible contribution to help cover processing costs. Hunters Sharing the Harvest will pay the remaining fees.

Hunters may also donate a portion of their deer by paying the full processing fee and notifying the processor to hold a specified amount for the program.

Established in 1991, Hunters Sharing the Harvest provides more than 200,000 meals annually to food banks, churches and social services feeding programs. Last year, hunters donated more than 100,000 pounds of venison.

“Across Pennsylvania, more than 1.3 million people are at risk of hunger,” said Kendall Hanna, executive director of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. “Hunters Sharing the Harvest provides food that is lean and protein rich. We are extremely grateful for the generosity of hunters and their decision to participate in a program that supports Pennsylvanians in need.”

To learn more about the program and obtain a list of participating meat processors and county coordinators, visit the Game Commission’s Web site at www.pgc.state.pa.us and click on “Hunting” and then “Hunters Sharing the Harvest.” Information may also be found at www.sharedeer.org or by calling, toll-free, 1-866-474-2141.