Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Ohio deer hunters have donated more than 116,750 pounds of venison to local food banks through the 2009-10 deer hunting season, according to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

The 116,750 pounds of venison equals approximately 467,000 meals for Ohioans in need. Last year, FHFH collected 54,800 pounds of venison throughout the season. A total of 2,336 deer was donated this deer hunting season compared to 1,096 in 2008-09 and 418 in 2007-08.

“With the dedication of FHFH local coordinators and Ohio hunters’ generosity, this deer donation program has grown every year,” said Jim Marshall, assistant chief of the Division of Wildlife. “I expect next year’s donation numbers to be even better.”

The Division of Wildlife has collaborated with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry for the last three years in an effort to assist with the processing costs associated with donating venison to a food bank. A subsidy grant was provided in allotments that are to be matched with funds generated or collected by local Ohio FHFH chapters. The division subsidizes this program as an additional deer management tool, helping wildlife managers encourage hunters to kill more does.

Venison that is donated to food banks must be processed by a federal, state or locally inspected and insured meat processor that is participating with FHFH. Hunters wishing to donate their deer to a food bank are not required to pay for the processing of the venison as long as the program has funds available to cover the cost. There are currently 65 participating meat processors across the state. A list is provided at www.fhfh.org.

Currently, there are 30 local chapters across the state with a need for more. Anyone interested in becoming a local program coordinator or a participating meat processor should visit the “Local FHFH” page at www.fhfh.org. The Web page includes a current list of coordinators, program names and the counties that they serve.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. –-(AmmoLand.com)- Hunters donated 1,286 deer to the Hunters Helping the Hungry (HHH) Program during the 2009 hunting season, according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR). This was a bit higher than the 2008 seasons’ donation total (1,149).

“Thanks to generous West Virginia hunters who donated deer to the HHH Program, many needy West Virginians will receive highly nutritious meals this year,” said Jerry Westfall, Program Coordinator. “The DNR, along with their partners, The Mountaineer Food Bank and The Huntington Area Food Bank, truly appreciate the generosity shown by these hunters, and acknowledge that, without their help, this program could not exist.”

The DNR is reliant upon venison collection and distribution by Mountaineer Food Bank (Gassaway) and Huntington Area Food Bank. Two-pound packages of ground venison have been, and will continue to be, distributed to participating distribution centers such as food pantries, soup kitchens, senior centers, community centers, churches, orphanages and other institutions, throughout the state. Although it is too late for non-enrolled centers to receive venison this season (because of the minimum 60-day application review process), those interested are encourage to enroll now so they may receive venison during the 2010 hunting seasons. Contact Mountaineer Food Bank at 304-364-5518 to discuss the application process needed to receive venison next season.

“Although the DNR is very grateful for hunter-donated deer, the HHH Program still requires monetary donations to offset processing and distribution costs,” said Westfall. The DNR is restricted from using sportsmen’s license dollars to fund this program, and is completely dependent upon donations from concerned individuals, businesses, conservation organizations, foundations, and churches.

“Without this donated funding, we simply could not continue the HHH Program,” said Westfall.

The DNR accepts monetary donations to the HHH Program year-round. Anyone wishing to make a monetary donation to the HHH Program should go to HHH Web page at: www.wvdnr.gov/Hunting/HHH.shtm, or contact Billie Shearer at 304-558-2771. Those wishing additional information on the HHH Program can contact Jerry Westfall at (304) 558-2771; jerry.a.westfall@wv.gov.

FHFH.org

Washington, DC --(AmmoLand.com)- Despite all the hotly contested issues facing our legislators these days, both the House and Senate found something that all could agree on…providing donated venison to the hungry is a good thing!

The good work being done by organizations like Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry in communities nationwide is definitely being noticed and making a difference in many lives.

Thanks for your continued interest in this important mission to feed the hungry!

U.S. Senate Resolution 374 - CLICK for more
Title: A resolution recognizing the cooperative efforts of hunters, sportsmen’s associations, meat processors, hunger relief organizations, and State wildlife, health, and food safety agencies to establish programs that provide game meat to feed the hungry.
Sponsor: Sen Lincoln, Blanche L. [AR]; Cosponsors (3)
Related Bills: H.RES.270
Latest Major Action: 12/18/2009 Passed/agreed to in Senate.

U.S. House Resolution 270 - CLICK for more
Title: Recognizing the establishment of Hunters for the Hungry programs across the United States and the contributions of those programs efforts to decrease hunger and help feed those in need.
Sponsor: Rep Gingrey, Phil [GA-11]; Cosponsors (43)
Related Bills: S.RES.374
Latest Major Action: 7/21/2009 Passed/agreed to in House.

About:
Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) is an outreach ministry of the people of God called upon to feed venison to the hungry among us nationwide. Visit FHFH.org

Icarry.Org's Open Carry Food Drive A Huge Success

ICarry.org

Little Chute, Wisconsin - -(AmmoLand.com)- We were able to donate $680.00 in gift certificates to Save a Lot for fresh food. In addition to that, we collected hundreds of pounds of non-perishable food items for those in need.

A big thanks goes to Joe, the owner of the Save-a-Lot store in Little Chute, WI who kindly allowed us to use his facility for the food drive. We also thank the Fox Valley Metro Police Department for responding to us when we informed them of the event prior to the event.

They were completely professional and supportive of us exercising our rights. They didn’t have any concerns, and wished us luck for a fun, safe, and successful event.

Mike Long, the ICarry.org Coordinator for Outagamie County, WI did the leg work for this event. We thank him for taking initiative, making arrangements, and pulling off such a worthy endeavor.

I believe this event was his idea, and we’re so glad to have something like this started by one of our coordinators and take place!

Pictures, video, and TV coverage of the event! TV coverage has brought us many new members! Go here: http://www.icarry.org/ftopict-2084.html

Thanks to everyone, especially those who drove long distances to attend the event. We had people from BOTH STATES drive over three hours to attend and help out. What a time!

Stay tuned for our next Open Carry event. The next one may be in northern Illinois.

Important message for everyone regarding monthly drawing:

There were quite a few people who did NOT check-in for the drawing in December. We sent the check-in link out twice (in the Carry Cards and the Change of plans emails).

We had people who donated, people who made purchases, and some very active members who missed out on the chance to win because they did not check-in.

Every month, the check-in link will be placed in at least 1 email we send out. The email subject line could be anything, and will not say that the check-in link is in there. So you have to read the emails and find the link in one of them. Then all you have to do is click it, type your name/email, check the box, and click send ANY time before the drawing date.

Due to the holidays, it took a few extra days to release the winner for December’s Glock of Your Choice – sponsored by GLOCK.

And the winner is…….(drumroll from the movie Christmas Vacation)

Dewey from Schaumberg, IL! Congrats, Dewey. Thanks again to GLOCK for so graciously sponsoring a pistol for this awesome drawing. Keep that in mind the next time you make a gun purchase. Who supports Right to Carry? GLOCK!!! I know my next pistol purchase is going to be a Glock.

January’s giveaway pistol will be announced on the website. It will also be sent out the next time we send an email out.

Happy New Year everyone. 2010 is going to be the best year in the restoration of the 2nd Amendment in Illinois and Wisconsin that we have seen in decades. I give you my word on that.

ICarry.org, 1817 18th Avenue, Rockford, IL 61104, USA

About:
ICarry.org, an organization devoted to to bringing concealed carry to Illinois and Wisconsin. The only two states without it. Visit: www.icarry.org

Ohio Division of Wildlife

COLUMBUS, OH –-(AmmoLand.com)- Ohio deer hunters have donated more than 95,500 pounds of venison to local food banks so far this deer season, according to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

The 95,500 pounds equals approximately 382,000 meals for needy Ohioans. To date, 1,910 deer have been donated with plenty of deer hunting opportunity left in the 2009-10 season. Last year at this time, 671 deer had been donated representing 33,550 pounds of venison.

Last year FHFH collected 54,800 pounds of venison from 1,096 deer through the entire season, from September 2008 to February 1, 2009.

“I applaud Ohio hunters for their generosity and continue to encourage them to donate what they can so Ohio’s food pantries will receive the nutritious red meat they so desperately need,” said David M. Graham, chief of the Division of Wildlife.

Hunters still have a weekend of deer-gun hunting, December 19-20, and eight weeks of archery hunting; the archery season remains open until February 7, 2010. The statewide muzzleloader deer-hunting season will be held January 9-12, 2010.

FHFH.org

The Division of Wildlife collaborated with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) in an effort to assist with the processing costs associated with donating venison to a food bank. A $100,000 subsidy grant was provided in two $50,000 allotments that are to be matched with funds generated or collected by FHFH. The division subsidized this year’s FHFH operation as an additional deer management tool, helping wildlife managers encourage hunters to kill more does.

Venison donated to food banks must be processed by a federal, state or locally inspected and insured meat processor that is participating with FHFH. Hunters wishing to donate their deer to a food bank are not required to pay for the processing of the venison as long as the program has funds available to cover the cost. There are presently 65 participating meat processors across the state. A list is provided at www.fhfh.org.

Currently there are 33 local chapters across the state with a need for more. Anyone interested in becoming a local program coordinator or a participating meat processor should visit the “Local FHFH” page at www.fhfh.org. The Web page includes a current list of coordinators, program names and the counties they serve.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at www.ohiodnr.com.

Ohio Division of Wildlife

XENIA, OH –-(AmmoLand.com)- The Southwest Ohio Chapter of Safari Club International (SCI) along with Shawnees Outdoorsmen Association and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife donated venison to several Southwest Ohio food pantries in recent weeks.

Hunters wishing to donate their deer to a food bank are, in most cases, required to pay for the processing of the venison. Organizations, such as Safari Club International, local conservation clubs and private meat processors, have helped absorb the cost of deer processing in some areas.

These efforts have resulted in recent donations of nearly 400 lbs. of venison in Adams, Brown, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren counties. Food pantries generally receive very little red meat donations. Any monetary donations they do receive are then used to buy meat. The monies cannot be used for administrative fees and the food pantries and banks are run by volunteers, not paid employees.

The Southwest Ohio Chapter of Safari Club International has funded venison donations in this area of the state for more than 10 years through their Hunters Feeding the Hungry program. A total of 200 lbs. was distributed to needy families in a five-county area the first week of December.

This year the Shawnee Outdoorsmen Association, in Adams County, also paid for deer processing. Almost 200 lbs. of venison was distributed locally prior to Thanksgiving through the New Life Fellowship of Adams County.

Hunters in Ohio will have plenty of opportunity to harvest multiple deer again this year during the 2009-2010 deer seasons. For more information on donating venison, visit www.wildohio.com. For information on the Southwest Ohio Chapter of Safari Club International, visit www.sciswo.org.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Sportsman Channel

New Berlin, Wis. — -(AmmoLand.com)- The battle lines were drawn with a pink food collection bin for ladies and a blue bin for men.

They started a 24-day internal war to see who could fill the bins with the most weight in non-perishable food items. Sportsman Channel employees are familiar with helping local human services agencies and shelters year ‘round stock their shelves.

The network operates Hunt.Fish.Feed, a program that encourages hunters to donate their deer harvest to local shelters. In keeping with this mission of helping those less fortunate, the network’s employees wanted to assist a non-profit human services agency close to their heart in Milwaukee for Thanksgiving: St. Charles Youth and Family Services.

By noon on November 24, the war was over with men being the victors with a ONE POUND lead over the ladies. The final tally was men with 329 pounds, ladies with 328 pounds.

The battle was not without a few causalities. Once the teams realized only a few pounds separated them from ultimate victory, employees were cleaning out their desks – even giving up their lunches – just so they could claim a win for their team.

“It couldn’t have been any crazier in here this morning,” said Jake Thoele, Business Account Manager for Sportsman. “I unloaded my truck at eight o’clock with roughly 80 pounds of canned goods, once the ladies saw that, it was on!”

“I couldn’t believe people were giving up their lunches just so their team could gain the lead,” said Nicole Neeb, Executive Assistant for the network. “It just goes to show how the entire company embraces the idea of helping others; it’s not just a motto or words on paper.”

David Stolpe, Academic Program Manager for St. Charles Youth and Family Services, thanked Sportsman Channel employees for their considerate donation.

“It means a lot to have companies who are committed and dedicated not only to their business, but also to the community they are in. Milwaukee is certainly a place of great need, and I hope this will help make those families not only have a fuller belly this season, but also let them know that they are valued and cared for.”

Sportsman Channel challenges companies across America to beat their non-perishable food weight total and to wage their own contests internally.

“Why not have some fun with it?” said Thoele. “We all want to help out; you just need to make it easy and fun.”

St. Charles Youth and Family Services is a non-profit human services agency guided by Catholic principles. In its 89th year, St. Charles provides an array of prevention and intervention services for Wisconsin youth, adults, and families. Visit www.stcharlesinc.org to find out how you can help.

About SPORTSMAN CHANNEL:
Launched in 2003, Sportsman Channel is the only television and digital company fully devoted to the more than 82 million sportsmen in the United States, delivering entertaining and educational programming focused exclusively on hunting, shooting and fishing activities. Acquired by InterMedia Outdoors Holdings in 2006, Sportsman Channel is now a part of the nation’s largest multimedia company targeted exclusively to serving the information and entertainment needs of outdoors enthusiasts. For more information, visit www.thesportsmanchannel.com.