Hunters Helping the Hungry

For the first time in Nova Scotia, hunting organizations will team up with Feed Nova Scotia and the province to provide deer meat to families in need.

"The Hunters Helping the Hungry program is a tremendous act of goodwill," Natural Resources Minister David Morse said today, Sept. 21. "I want to thank participating hunters and meat cutters for supporting this generous effort. They're really going out of their way to get good quality food on the kitchen tables of Nova Scotians who will benefit most from these donations."

Mr. Morse was joined at the announcement by representatives of Feed Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Eastern Woods & Waters magazine and novascotiahunting.com .

"Feed Nova Scotia thanks the Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters, novascotiahunting.com, Eastern Woods & Waters magazine, and the Nova Scotia departments of Natural Resources and Agriculture for their partnership with us throughout the past year," said Dianne Swinemar, executive director of Feed Nova Scotia. "This is a unique program that allows us to serve as a link between those with resources to share and those in need. It's a wonderful way for hunters to give back to their communities and to show their support."

Hunters who want to contribute deer meat must contact a participating licenced meat cutter. The meat is then ground and packaged into two-pound bags for distribution by Feed Nova Scotia. There is no minimum amount required. Hunters must have registered their deer before making a donation.

"The Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters is proud to be part of this endeavour," said federation president Darlene Caldwell. "We encourage all hunters to participate in this very tangible way to share with fellow Nova Scotians the bounty of the fall harvest. The protein provided from this deer meat will help Feed Nova Scotia do its job of providing for the healthy dietary needs of its clients."

The Nova Scotia government will provide the necessary forms for hunters who transfer ownership of more than 15 pounds of deer meat. It is also working with participating meat cutters to ensure that facilities are safety-inspected and approved.

Deer hunting season dates this year are:

• special open season for bow hunting from Sept. 30 to Oct. 26 and from Dec. 4 to Dec. 9
• youth hunt (new) from Oct. 20 to 21
• general open season from Oct. 27 to Dec. 2.

Feed Nova Scotia distributes food to more than 145 agencies across Nova Scotia. More information is available on the website at www.feednovascotia.ca .