Project Venison was established in 1991 to give hunters an outlet to help give something back to the community. Through the generous donations of deer by hunters over the years, we have helped feed thousands of needy people throughout the country. More than 3,000 meals were provided during our first year of operation. And because of the tremendous growth of the program, we are projecting to feed over a million meals to date.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS: When a hunter donates a deer for whatever reason, he takes the whole deer to an approved participating deer processor. Next, the processor grinds the meat into hamburger and the local Second Harvest food bank affiliate takes the meat to one of its various agencies for preparation to feed needy people.

The deer processor is paid by the Buckmasters American Deer Foundation through private donations, raffles at Buckmasters events and banquets done by volunteers at local One Shot Chapters around the country.

Project Venison: Hunters Feeding The Hungry
In 1995, the Middle Georgia Gun Owners Association (MGGOA) began the task of identifying community service projects for the newly formed organization and its Twin Oaks Range shooting facility. The positive image associated with these projects helped to identify its members as not only a group of concerned sportsmen who were dedicated to the preservation of Second Amendment rights, but one concerned for the welfare of the people within the community.

Several mid-state hunters were looking to share their harvest with those less fortunate, and until 1993 there was not a program in place in Georgia. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Hunters For The Hungry program has experienced tremendous success with over 30 tons of ground venison having been donated since the program's inception 1993. As much as the MGGOA would have liked to support their existing program, a couple of minor obstacles stood in their way. First, and foremost, deer donated to the program had to be harvested within a particular time frame, usually on two separate weekends in November. Secondly, the nearest collection point for the program was more than 75 miles away. And most importantly, after being processed by the Department of Corrections, the processed venison was distributed by area food banks in Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Macon and Savannah. The MGGOA was looking for a way to distribute the processed venison within the local community.

As much as the MGGOA would have liked to support the DNR's existing program, some obstacles stood in the way. First, deer donated to the program had to be harvested within a particular time frame, usually on two separate weekends in November. Secondly, the nearest collection point for the program was more than 75 miles away. Third, after being processed by the Department of Corrections, the venison was distributed by area food banks in Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Macon and Savannah. The MGGOA was looking for a way to distribute the processed venison within the local community.

In the Spring of 1995, MGGOA member and future Middle Georgia Buckmasters Chapter Director Steve Brown contacted the Buckmasters office in Montgomery, Alabama, and asked for information concerning the Project Venison program. Brown learned how the program was funded through Buckmasters banquets held each year.

Lane was also quick to point out that Project Venison, although the largest recipient of the banquet funds, was only one of several projects funded through these fundraisers. Disabled Hunter Assistance Programs, Hunter Education, Habitat Restoration, Grant In Aid Scholarships, Deer Management Studies, Biological Research and local chapter functions are just a few of the ways in which the banquet proceeds are additionally used.

Project Venison was born in 1991 when Bob Martin of the Second Harvest Food Bank in Alabama approached Buckmasters founder and CEO Jackie Bushman and asked for help. Buckmasters was already donating venison to the Boys & Girls Sheriffs' Ranches through their annual Classic event. The first fundraising banquet was organized and held as 51 processors throughout the state agreed to help conduct the program. Approximately 30,000 folks received food as a result of hunters sharing their harvest. In 2002, at least 21 states will conduct Buckmasters banquets and will be responsible for the distribution of ground venison to more than 1,000,000 individuals. In addition to Dublin's banquet, Carrollton, Jesup, Phenix City/Columbus, Fayetteville, Hazlehurst, Statesboro and Valdosta will also serve as hosts in Georgia for Buckmasters banquets in 2002.

In 1995, MGGOA served as the sponsoring organization for a Buckmasters banquet in Dublin, raising more than $5,000. Sixty-five deer were donated to the program that first year, resulting in 4,250 pounds of ground venison being delivered to the following agencies: Women In Need Of God's Shelter (WINGS), Heart of Georgia Community Action Agency, Department of Family and Children's Services, Salvation Army and Dublin Housing Authority.

In 1996, the Oconee Archery Club (all members of MGGOA in '95) became the sponsoring organization. Response from local hunters was overwhelming -- 78 deer donated, resulting in 5,162 pounds of food distributed.

With OAC and MGGOA co-sponsoring the event in '97, more than $4,900 was raised. Unfortunately, donations exceeded Project Venison monies available and only 3,142 pounds were delivered locally. In 1998, the banquet netted more than $5,500. As in '97, donations exceeded monies available and 3,618 pounds were delivered. With the support of Wal-Mart's Charity Appeal program, the 1999 banquet was the most successful ever, raising in excess of $9,300, allowing for the distribution of 4,623 pounds to the local charities.

Despite raising $8,254 in 2000, donations from area sportsmen again exceeded monies available for processing, leaving the Outdoors Section in arrears for 2,147 pounds of ground venison. With the aid of a $2,000 grant from the Mill Creek Foundation and $7,023 raised at the banquet in October, the local One Shot Chapter was able to pay for last year's shortage, distribute 2,298 pounds of ground venison, sponsor their first-ever Disabled Sportsmen's Weekend and present Steve Scruggs "Let's Get Wild" program to elementary school students in the area.

Since the inception of the local project, the Outdoors Section of the Dublin-Laurens County Recreation Authority has coordinated delivery of the venison to the various agencies. Deliveries were made twice to each agency, once in November & once in December. Department representatives worked closely with Randy Nix of Po Boy's Meat Market, who continues to serve as the primary processor in the immediate area. Other approved processors are Blackshear's Ferry Butcher Shop and Ronnie's Deer Processing.

Without the support of corporate sponsors, it would be next to impossible to have a successful banquet. Most corporate sponsors have been more than willing to contribute to the program, especially when knowing the proceeds will be used to defray expenses related to the delivery of the venison to local charities.

Some additional quotes from agencies being served by Project Venison:

"Last year, we provided 8,040 meals to battered women and children at a cost of 15 cents per meal. This is a tremendous impact that your organization has helped make possible for WINGS. On behalf of the clients and staff, thank you so much for sharing your harvest with us."
– Angie Hudson - Women In Need Of God's Shelter

"Because of area hunters sharing their harvest through Project Venison, your organization helped to feed many families that were in need. We really do appreciate your kindness and generosity. Thank you."
– Brenda M. Johnson - DFACS

"Speaking for the Salvation Army and the many families served by Project Venison, I want to thank the local clubs, businesses and individual hunters who made the project happen. It speaks well of our Christian community when we join hands to reach out to the less fortunate by feeding the hungry and stretching the meager dollars in households where a choice must be made between food and medicine. God bless each of you. Happy Hunting!
– Barbara Burris - Salvation Army

"Our management highly endorses Project Venison. Last year this program provided meals for over 100 resident families. Most of our residents are low income or elderly families in need of contributions to help alleviate economic burdens. The continuation of Project Venison will definitely be beneficial to our community."
– Brenda Smith - Dublin Housing Authority

"Thank you so much for the venison your organization, Buckmasters, donated to the Georgia Sheriff‚s Herrington Homestead earlier this year. Herrington Homestead is a non-profit home and we depend on contributions from generous and selfless people like yourself to continue our services. As you may know, Herrington Homestead is a residential facility providing services for abused, neglected and abandoned boys who are victims of circumstances. Your contributions have helped offset major meat purchases, making it possible to provide other necessities for our needy youth. Thanks again, and please continue to remember our boys in your prayers and contributions, as you are able. Also, please feel free to visit our campus any time and see first-hand what you are helping to support.
– Joe Mullis - Herrington Homestead

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