GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – As the 2021 gun-deer hunting season continues, local pantries are reminding hunters that they will accept any deer you might not want.
Paul’s Pantry in Green Bay has received seven deer so far this year. Executive Director Craig Robbins says the hunting season can provide a lot of food for people in need.
“All of the deer are ground into hamburger. So we an average of 30-35 pounds of venison out of one deer,” Robbins said. “Last year, we served around 900 households – counting bow season, the gun season, muzzleloader…It feeds a lot of people. The more deer we can get donated, the better, obviously.”
The goal this year is to be able to run the venison program for at least a month.
Venison is also lower in fat and higher in protein than beef, making it more nutritious – and Robbins says they’ve already heard questions about when it might be in stock.
But numbers have been down in recent years. That’s why Robbins is encouraging hunters to fill as many extra tags as they can.
“Last year, we received eighty deer. That’s down significantly from 15 years ago, 10 years ago. Back in the days of Earn a Buck, we were receiving quadruple that,” Robbins told WTAQ News. “You can take a deer for your own household, then take a deer for a hungry household.”
Robbins calls the program a win-win for everyone – as the donation and processing comes at no cost to the hunters, it benefits the DNR in reducing the deer herd, aids auto insurance companies in reducing deer-vehicle collisions, and feeds and benefit those in need – while the hunters can still enjoy their sport.
“There are a lot of extra tags, and we’re really encouraging hunters to fill those extra tags,” Robbins said.
To learn more about Paul’s Pantry or how you can donate, head to their website.
