Good Samaritan Ministries of Brownwood is set for its 2nd annual Deer Project to help feed the hungry of Brown County.  Citizens are urged to “Share some doe, and give some bucks.”

The Deer Project began in the 2008 hunting season due to concerned businessmen and hunters who saw an opportunity to partner with Good Samaritan Ministries’ Food Pantry to provide protein to fill Good Samaritan’s freezers through the harvest of white-tail deer which are plentiful in the area. Efforts were coordinated with deer processors, hunters, local hunting organizations, high-fence ranchers, and supporters of Good Samaritan Ministries to develop The Deer Project.

In 2008, The Deer Project brought in 5,229 pounds of meat to the freezers of Good Samaritan and ultimately to the tables of our needy neighbors.  The 2008 harvest provided 20,916 meals!

For the 2009-10 hunting season, Good Samaritan is looking to quadruple the amount from last year.  Their goals are:

• 25,000 pounds of processed venison
• Raise $25,000 to help defray the cost of processing
• Involve more hunters in the project
• Involve more managed-land owners in the project
• Increase donations of beef and domestic pork from farmers and ranchers

Hunters and hunting organizations are typically known for their strong sense of community and commitment to special projects for needy neighbors. Participation in The Deer Project is an opportunity to continue that legacy.

Share some doe takes aim to meet the need by using one of a hunter’s hunting tags for a deer to be donated to The Deer Project. Take the deer to one of the participating deer processing plants and pay only $35 to have the meat processed.  1 deer rendered averages 30 pounds (480 oz.).  Meat is ground and placed in 2 lb. chubs.  Each family receives 2 pounds of venison.   A recommended serving of venison is 4 oz.

Donate “bucks” to pay the reduced processing fee of only $35 for those hunters who may have the deer and the tags but not the extra “bucks”.  More than half of the venison received in 2008 was paid for by donations.

Good Samaritan is also holding a fund raising event on October 14th called the Cow Pasture Xtreme Golf & Sporting Clays to benefit the Deer Project.  CLICK HERE for more info in our Community Calendar section.

Processors Participating in the Deer Project Are: