Hunters band together to help those in need

NORTHERN MICHIGAN (WPBN/WGTU) — Several events will be held during firearm deer season that allow hunters to donate deer to be processed and distributed to those in need.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will collect harvested deer for the pantries.

One of the best parts of deer season is witnessing hunters come together to feed people in communities across the state through our deer donation program, according to a DNR Facebook post.

Fundraising events will be held at Jay's Sporting Goods in Clare in November.

Deer can be dropped off at Jay's during store hours on November 16th and 17th and November 23rd and 24th.

Jay's Sporting Goods in Clare has partnered with the DNR to facilitate Sportsmen Against Hunger deer donations.

“In 2024, we have seen an increase in the number of families struggling to provide meat for their daily meals,” said Tina Colosky, project manager at Jay. “This year the focus has been on increasing the number of days we host this event in hopes of increasing the number of deer donations we receive.”

The full donation schedule is listed below:

Jay's Sporting Goods, Clare, MI

• November 16th: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m
• November 17th: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m
• November 23rd: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m
• November 24th: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m

Frank's Great Outdoors, Linwood, MI

• November 16th: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m
• November 17th: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m

Knutson's Sporting Goods, Brooklyn, MI

• January 4th: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m
• January 5th: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m