Pennsylvania hunters donate record 262000 pounds of venison to combat hunger
January 25, 2025 | Game Commission, TOURISM & RECREATION, Executive Departments, Organizations, Executive, Pennsylvania
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In a gathering marked by gratitude and advocacy, the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Board of Game Commissioners meeting on January 25, 2025, showcased the vital role of hunters in community support and wildlife management. The atmosphere was charged with appreciation as Randy Ferguson, representing Hunters Sharing the Harvest, took the podium to express his thanks for the commission's ongoing support of their venison donation program.
Ferguson proudly announced that Pennsylvania hunters had once again set a national record, donating an impressive 262,000 pounds of venison during the 2023-24 hunting season. This remarkable contribution translated to over a million servings of nutritious food for those in need across the state. "Pennsylvania hunters should really be proud of what we do here," Ferguson emphasized, highlighting the program's impact on local communities and its recognition as a model for similar initiatives nationwide.
The meeting also featured Kenny Kane, president of Generations Forestry, who spoke on the importance of sustainable forest and deer management. He commended the commission for adhering to biologists' recommendations regarding antlerless deer allocations and the management of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Kane advocated for continued support of the Saturday and Sunday openings for deer rifle season, which he noted had doubled his hunting opportunities.
As discussions progressed, James Penick raised a poignant issue concerning senior hunters. He shared his personal struggles with the current three-point rule for buck hunting, which he argued was discouraging older hunters from participating. Penick proposed allowing senior hunters to shoot a four-point buck, suggesting that such a change could enhance their hunting experience and encourage continued engagement in the sport.
The meeting underscored the interconnectedness of hunting, community service, and wildlife management. As the commissioners listened to these passionate voices, it became clear that the future of hunting in Pennsylvania hinges not only on regulations but also on fostering inclusivity and support for all hunters, from youth to seniors. The discussions left attendees with a sense of hope and a call to action, as they pondered the implications of these proposals for the hunting community and the broader ecosystem.
Ferguson proudly announced that Pennsylvania hunters had once again set a national record, donating an impressive 262,000 pounds of venison during the 2023-24 hunting season. This remarkable contribution translated to over a million servings of nutritious food for those in need across the state. "Pennsylvania hunters should really be proud of what we do here," Ferguson emphasized, highlighting the program's impact on local communities and its recognition as a model for similar initiatives nationwide.
The meeting also featured Kenny Kane, president of Generations Forestry, who spoke on the importance of sustainable forest and deer management. He commended the commission for adhering to biologists' recommendations regarding antlerless deer allocations and the management of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Kane advocated for continued support of the Saturday and Sunday openings for deer rifle season, which he noted had doubled his hunting opportunities.
As discussions progressed, James Penick raised a poignant issue concerning senior hunters. He shared his personal struggles with the current three-point rule for buck hunting, which he argued was discouraging older hunters from participating. Penick proposed allowing senior hunters to shoot a four-point buck, suggesting that such a change could enhance their hunting experience and encourage continued engagement in the sport.
The meeting underscored the interconnectedness of hunting, community service, and wildlife management. As the commissioners listened to these passionate voices, it became clear that the future of hunting in Pennsylvania hinges not only on regulations but also on fostering inclusivity and support for all hunters, from youth to seniors. The discussions left attendees with a sense of hope and a call to action, as they pondered the implications of these proposals for the hunting community and the broader ecosystem.
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