COLUMBUS, OH - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife in collaboration with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) announce the Chief’s Challenge to fight hunger.



ODNR Division of Wildlife Chief Dave Graham challenges all deer hunters to make this year special for Ohio’s hungry. Last year, hunters showed they cared by donating nearly 220,000 meals to Ohioans in need.

“I personally challenge Ohio’s hunters to double that number this year and to help us all to remember to make the donations. I’m going to label Saturday, December 5, as Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry Day,” said Dave Graham, chief of the ODNR Division of Wildlife. “I will try to take a doe that day and I’ll donate it to the FHFH program.”



Hunters do not have to wait until December 5 to donate a deer. Hunters throughout the state can purchase and use an antlerless deer permit until November 29 for $15. And hunters in Zone C can use antlerless permits until December 6. Venison donations will be accepted throughout the entire Ohio deer hunting season, September 26 through February 7, 2010.



“This is an economical way to provide meals to people in need,” added Graham. “By using a processor in the FHFH program, you can donate the deer and not have the cost of processing it. Join me on FHFH Day and throughout the season and take the extra step to help offset hunger felt by Ohioans.”

The FHFH Web site also allows people to donate cash that will supplement the funds being raised to help pay for processing the meat.


Over the last year, FHFH has more than doubled the number of chapters from 12 to 27, with the 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.



A $100,000 subsidy grant has been awarded to FHFH to help pay the processing fee on donated venison. The grant money is to be matched with funds generated or collected by FHFH. The Division is again subsidizing this year's FHFH operation as an additional deer management tool, helping wildlife managers encourage hunters to kill more does.



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 http://www.ohiodnr.com.