For most of us, hunting is something done for enjoyment. It brings us to the outdoors, gives us time to learn about out real role in ecology and offers healthy meat for our families.

But for some, hunting isn’t such a luxury. Among our neighbors are those who can hardly afford the basic essentials of daily life, let alone fancy hunting gear and trips to clubs, lodges or even public ground. Many struggle to keep healthy food in their freezers and pantries.

Missouri hunters are a generous lot. During the 2009-2010 deer hunting season, they donated more than 250,000 pounds of venison to the Share the Harvest program, a non-profit partnership between the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Conservation Federation of Missouri. It distributes the meat to food banks around the state. Now in its 18th year, Share the Harvest has donated over 2 million pounds of meat.

The state is calling on us to do more. In a news release, Share the Harvest program coordinator David Murphy said that the grass-roots effort still has many people to reach.

Since 1992, Missouri hunters have donated more than 2 million pounds of venison to the needy through local Share the Harvest programs. Many areas still do not have donation programs, however. For information about how to get started, visit mdc.mo.gov/hunt/deer/share/, call 573-634-2322, or e-mail mofed@socket.net. Photo courtesy of the Missouri Department of Conservation

“We still have more than 30 counties without local Share the Harvest programs,” Murphy said. “And a lot of the counties that already have programs could easily support additional ones. There is plenty of room to grow.”

Last year at hunt camp, the guys were talking about how fortunate we are to have our blessings, our material needs and wants and our health. And freezers full of food.

So a challenge was raised: our first deer would be donated to Share the Harvest. We could keep additional deer.

It’s a tough challenge. Having a shot at a deer isn’t a sure thing — getting a second chance takes serious commitment.

Even if we donate half of every deer we take, the shared benefit would be huge. In the 2009-2010 season, Missouri hunters killed 299,461 deer.. Imagine how many families would benefit if even 1/4 of that meat went to Share the Harvest.

Are you ready for the challenge? I’m sure there are plenty of people in need who would appreciate it.

For more information, click this link or call 573-634-2322. A list of participating processors is found in the current deer and turkey hunting regulations book.