Hunters for the Hungry donations benefit those in need; drop off at these locations

The Georgia Hunters for the Hungry (GHFTH) is a program through which harvested deer become nutritious venison to benefit those who need it the most. Hunters donated more than 733 deer during the 2005 collection and more than 170,000 pounds of venison has been donated since the program began in 1993, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).

Hunters can donate deer in either of two ways - at one of seven weekend collection sites that will be available November 25-26, 2006, and also through January 1, 2007, at seven additional collection sites hosted by deer processors.

"The Georgia Hunters for the Hungry program is an opportunity to show the positive aspects of hunting - by providing a very nutritious, low-fat meal for those who need it," says WRD Director Dan Forster. "Our agency is very proud to be a part of this program and to work with the many partners who make it possible each year."

Hunters interested in participating in GHFTH should bring fielddressed deer to any of the drop-off locations (see below). All hunters who donate a deer during this collection period will be entered into a drawing for a deer rifle, sponsored by the Georgia Wildlife Federation.

The following seven locations will be available between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. November 25-26, 2006:

Social Circle - WRD Fish Hatchery on Hwy. 278 (1.5 miles north of Exit 101 off I-20)

exington - Oglethorpe County Farmer's Market on U.S. Hwy 78

Newnan - Royal Baptist Church (Hwy. 34 bypass North to Royal Mayo Drive)

Pendergrass - Boy Scouts of America (Hwy. 129 North 1 mile from I-85)

Rockmart - Lamar's Sports Center (392 Atlanta Highway)

Rome - Lavender Mountain Hardware (4065 Martha Berry Hwy., NW)

Richmond Hill - Plantation Lumber & Hardware (10829 Ford Ave.)

The following seven locations will accept deer through January 1, 2007, during business hours:

Hoboken - Big Creek Sausage Co., Inc., Rt. 1, Box 146-A, 912- 458-2120

Jefferson - Sealey's Deer Cooler, 5675 South Apple Valley Road, 706-335-9304

Sparta - Garner's Grinder, Rt. 3, Box 464-2, 706-444-9228

Columbus - Daffin's Meat Processing, 4100 1/2 River Bend Road, 706-322-8848

Irwinton - Starley's Deer Processing, 190 George Hatcher Road, 478-946-8976

Vidalia - Stewart's Quality Meats, 204 Washington Street, 912- 537-9888

Tifton - Safety-Rite Foods, 147 Ridge Avenue South, 229-382-1242

GHFTH Sponsors include the Georgia DNR/Wildlife Resources Division, Georgia Wildlife Federation, Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Agriculture, Georgia's Outdoor Adventures, and the Georgia State Association of Food Banks.

For more information on donating game to those in need during other times of the year, call the Atlanta Community Food Bank at 404- 892-FEED. For more information on the GHFTH program, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com , contact a WRD Game Management Office, or call 770-761-3044.

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