As deer populations rise in many parts of the country, getting hunters to harvest anterless animals can be a problem.  DeSoto Refuge was no exception to this.  DeSoto hunters were willing to harvest more than their usual one or two deer but they did not need the meat and therefore did not want to kill extra animals. 

DeSoto is hunted by both Iowa and Nebraska hunters.  Iowa Department of Natural Resources has a new program called Help Us Stop Hunger (HUSH).   A hunter donates his deer at a local meat processor and the Iowa DNR pays for the processing.  The venison then goes to the local food bank. 

With a way in place for the Iowa hunters to donate deer, the refuge then worked with the Open Door Mission (a non-profit organization that cares for the homeless).  The Mission agreed to pay for the processing of deer that Nebraska hunters donated.  After the hunting season, 700 deer were harvested and 600 pounds of venison went to feed hungry people.

CONTACT: Mindy Sheets, Assistant Refuge Manager