Nebraska Games and Parks program has hunters help feed the needy

NORFOLK,Neb.- Deer hunting season in Nebraska falls during the same time as the holiday season.

And during the most generous time of year, hunters across Nebraska are giving back.

Hunters may donate whole, field-dressed deer to 10 different processors that support the Hunters Helping the Hungry program. The program, run by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, distributes the ground venison to Nebraskans in need.

Owner Rod Matson says R&M Meats in Norfolk has been a processor for the program for three years.

“The meat’s not going to waste. It’s getting utilized for a good cause, and hunters get to enjoy the sport or passion of hunting and yet, if they don’t want the meat, they are still helping out,” Matson said.

Hunters may donate as many times as they want, but any donated deer must be legally harvested with a valid Nebraska deer permit.

Once the deer is processed into two-pound packages, any charitable organization nominated by participating processors can receive the donated meat.

“I think it just helps them know that there’s help out there they can actually get a meal,” Matson said.

Matson says even before rifle season opens, he’s already receiving donations.

“A gentleman loves to go deer hunting, and he has a freezer full of meat already. So he wanted to help out those in need and donate it to the program, and know that he helped feed people in Nebraska,” Matson said.

Since the program’s start in 2011, more than 900,000 meals have been provided to Nebraskans.

Matson says this year he’s projecting at least 50 deer will be donated to the program at R&M Meats.