Hunters Sharing the Harvest reports record venison donations to food banks

Randy Ferguson, representing Hunters Sharing the Harvest, reported to the Pennsylvania Game Commission on Jan. 25 that Pennsylvania hunters donated 262,000 pounds of venison during the 2023-24 hunting season, which Ferguson said equates to more than 1 million servings distributed through food banks.

Ferguson told commissioners that Pennsylvania led the nation in wild-game donations during the 2023-24 season and thanked hunters and the commission for their support. He said about 38 states run some form of wild-game donation program and that other states look to Pennsylvania as a model.

Ferguson said donated venison supports local food banks and helps people in communities who are struggling. He urged hunters to “feed your family first” and then consider donating extra harvests to neighbors in need.

No formal action followed Ferguson's remarks. The commission did not record any program changes during public comment; Ferguson’s presentation served as an annual update to commissioners and the public.