Donating Deer a Problem?

Steve F.in MD · 11-20-2002, 10:10 AM

Last year one of the deer processers that was supposed to take deer donations put up a sign that said the hunter had to pay $35 to donate a deer. This year he is not even taking them. There are only two places in Frederick County that are listed. With an "unlimited" bag limit on does in Area C I think it might be a problem getting rid of deer. What do you think?

model722 · 11-20-2002, 10:41 AM

Maybe you could find a friend or someone that wants the meat. Otherwise just take what you can use.

cyclone · 11-20-2002, 11:02 AM

I don't even try anymore..I process it myself and give it to one of my friends that I know will use it. These processors you speak of are probably the one that have not been paid by the state and, quite frankly, are fed up with the system..Donate the deer and 35 bucks...I'd tell em to kiss it!

Same thing happened to me in WV couple of years ago..The processor was eager to get my business until he found out I wanted to donate the deer...Then he did a quick "about face"....

Now I understand that MD is hiking lic. fees by 12 bucks to cover the costs...See this month's issue of American Hunter..

~Will Hunt For Food~

DougMD · 11-21-2002, 07:00 AM

I don't mind donating deer. But when my license gets jacked up $12 AND they want an additional $35 to donate a deer, screw 'em! As long as hunters are appreciated for their need and role in feeding the hungry, it is ok by me to pay the extra $12, and I will still donate deer. But Maryland hunters will never be appreciated for feeding the hungry. We'll still be hated. Therefore, I am against the whole idea of any increase in license. I will gut deer and take them to drop off stations in good condition, that's it.

MD Hunter Alert · 11-21-2002, 07:13 AM

if a processor wants to charge you for donating deer and he participates in a venison donation program (such as Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry) this is wrong. contact Josh @ FHFH.org or the MD DNR.

MD licenses were not increased $12 to cover deer donations. there is $1 from every license sold contirbuted to the deer donation program run by the DNR.

the other increases in licenses were to provide needed funds for Wildlife & Heritage programs that benefit hunters.

SIDEWAYS · 11-21-2002, 04:31 PM

I donated my first doe this year. I had no problems with Chuck's Butcher Shop in Charles County.

fuzzjocky2 · 11-22-2002, 10:40 PM

i donated one to the laurel meat market last year without any hassels haven't killed that many this year to do any donating though

762mm · 11-23-2002, 05:51 PM

Last year I wanted to donate meat from one of my last deer, which I paid to have butchered and wrapped. Feeling civic and generous, I called the local homeless shelter and asked if I could drop off this big box of fresh venison steaks and burger. The lady on the phone told me the people staying there are "very picky" about the type of meat they eat, and pretty much declined my offer. Hmmm, homeless people are picky? What an eye opener. Hunters Sharing The Harvest? I guess not!

Steve F.in MD · 11-24-2002, 05:44 PM

In my opinion this is the major reason that just making the bag limit more liberal will not reduce the deer population. Last year it was four deer per weapon...bow, shotgun, and muzzleloader in this management zone. Nobody I know shot 12 deer. What would you do with them? This year they make the bag limit "unlimited" on doe. What can you do with that many deer if it's difficult to donate them? I will be watching this closely. I like to hunt as much as anyone and would help reduce the herd if there was a reasonable way to dispose of the deer.