AUGUSTA — With the 2017 hunting season underway, Gov. Paul R. LePage is again asking Maine hunters to consider supporting the Hunters for the Hungry Program by donating all or part of their harvest to feed families in need.

The program provides a means for Maine hunters, as well as hunters from other states, to donate harvested game to food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters.

Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Walt Whitcomb noted that since its establishment in 1996, the Hunters for the Hungry Program has provided thousands of meals to people across the state.

The program is part of the Department’s Emergency Food Assistance Program. It is done in cooperation with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s wardens, Maine state troopers and hunters, all working toward a common goal of helping fellow Mainers.

The program accepts bear, deer and moose donations. Road kill donations are also accepted, provided the meat is not damaged. Hunters do not pay for the processing of donated meat. Meat processing costs are paid for by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry or the charity that receives the food.

Hunters choosing to keep their game can still donate a few pounds to the program. Meat processors that are interested in getting involved with the program and learning how it works should call 207-287-7513.

FMI: 207-287-7513; facebook.com/MaineHuntersForTheHungry.

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