Area deer hunters are being encouraged to participate in this year’s Hunters Feeding Illinois program, which allows harvested deer to be donated to local meat processors. In turn, these processors provide venison to food pantries across the state, offering vital support to families in need.
Hunters in Wayne, Edwards, Clay, Richland, Jasper, Lawrence and most surrounding counties are especially urged to get involved. The amount of venison distributed to local food pantries depends directly on the number of donated deer, making every contribution important.
Community members can also assist by making monetary donations to help cover the cost of meat processing. For every $50 donated, the Feeding Illinois program matches the amount, covering the $100 processing fee per deer.
To find out how hunters and others can help, visit go.illinois.edu/HuntersFeedingIllinois.
The first four days of the Late Winter Firearm Season begin today and runs through Sunday, but only in thirty designated counties, including Jasper, Crawford, Coles, Effingham, Fayette, Clay, Marion, Jefferson, and Hamilton. The final three days of the season will be January 16th–18th.