Georgia’s much-anticipated deer hunting season officially began this past Saturday in most of the state, except for some areas that were impacted by Hurricane Helene.  Once again this year, hunters will have the opportunity to share their bounty with those less fortunate through the Hunters for the Hungry program.

According to Charlie Killmaster, the state deer biologist for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division, this season is poised to be one of the best yet. “We are shaping up for a fantastic deer season,” Killmaster noted. “Hunter success has increased across much of the state, and the number of mature bucks hunters are bringing home is at an all-time high.” Last year, the Department of Natural Resources reported that nearly 180,000 hunters participated in the season, harvesting approximately 240,000 deer throughout Georgia. Regulated deer hunting plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the state’s deer population and ensures it remains healthy and sustainable. Moreover, it provides hunters and their families with the opportunity to fill their freezers with nutritious, locally-sourced meat.

In line with its commitment to responsible hunting and community support, the Hunters for the Hungry program is active once again. The program aims to mitigate agricultural damage caused by deer while also assisting Georgia families in need by providing quality protein.

Already this year, venison has been distributed to families here in Chattooga County.   If you have questions about the program, you can contact Helping Hands Ending Hunger on their Facebook page or call 706-978-2211.