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Health & Fitness

Rep. Rick Hansen Reminding Hunters to Donate Venison

ST. PAUL, MN – With bow hunting season underway and the opener coming up soon, state Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL – South St. Paul) is encouraging hunters to donate venison. As hundreds of thousands of hunters gear up for this year's deer hunt, tens of thousands of Minnesotans are in need of assistance from local community food shelf services across the state. 

State Rep. Rick Hansen passed a bill several years ago that provides Minnesota hunters the opportunity to donate deer carcasses to their local food shelves. Prior to Rep. Hansen's legislation, hunters had to pay for processing fees in order to donate their venison. 

"There are so many Minnesotans who are dealing with the reality of hunger in communities throughout our state," said Rep. Hansen. "The venison donation program provides deer hunters the hassle-free opportunity to make a difference at the tables of hungry Minnesotans throughout the state this hunting season." 

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The program is a coordinated effort of the DNR and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. To participate in the program, Minnesota deer hunters can do one of two things: donate a deer carcass, or donate a dollar to the program when buying a deer license this season. 

"I strongly encourage all Minnesota hunters to participate in this program," said Rep. Hansen. "In doing so, deer hunters across the state will gain more than just a great hunt, but the opportunity to do their part in the fight against the pervasive problem of hunger in our communities." 

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Information about how to donate a deer carcass or money can be found on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/deer/donation/index.html.

Hunters must have their deer processed at a Minnesota Department of Agriculture-registered meat processing plant that has agreed to participate in the program. A list of processors can be found on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website at: http://www.mda.state.mn.us/en/licensing/inspections/meatpoultryegg/venisondonation/processors.aspx.

Additional questions about the program and its implications in the lives of hunters and hungry Minnesotans can be directed to Rep. Hansen by phone at (651) 296-6828 or by email at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn.




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