Hunters are encouraged to donate their entire deer harvest to food banks and charities. Participating meat processors will grind the venison into two-pound packages of burger.

With the start of deer season, the program will offer $50 to assist with the processing cost of whole deer donations only.

Your tax-deductible donation to assist with the cost of the processing can be made by noting on your check, "Illinois Sportsmen Against Hunger" in the memo section, payable to the Illinois Conservation Foundation.  Our address is: One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271.

The hungry of Illinois welcomes your involvement in the Illinois Sportsmen Against Hunger program. Consider volunteering to help the program feed the needy in Illinois.

For more information you may call 217-785-5091 or write to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Sportsmen Against Hunger, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271. Email: tracy.shafer@illinois.gov