9/17/2010
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – As West Virginia hunters take to the field this fall, they will benefit from more than just an enjoyable day with friends and family. Many of these sportsmen and women will successfully harvest a deer and fill their freezer with an ample supply of venison (deer meat).
Venison provides an excellent alternative to beef for those concerned with healthier choices in their diet. “Venison is a healthy source of protein for many West Virginia families,” said Curtis I. Taylor, chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR). “Venison has fewer calories and nearly five times less fat than an equivalent serving of beef.”
Immediately after the harvest, hunters can ensure their selected venison cuts retain the best quality and flavor if they take a few simple steps in caring for their game. Meat should not be exposed to excessive heat and moisture, and it should be cooled as quickly as possible to avoid spoilage.
Hunters are not the only West Virginians that benefit from deer harvested in the state. During the past 18 years, the DNR has sponsored the Hunters Helping the Hungry Program (HHH). Since its inception in 1992, hunter-donated venison has provided over 975,000 meals for needy West Virginia families.
For more information about the HHH program or West Virginia’s various deer hunting seasons and regulations, consult the 2010-2011 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary available at all DNR Offices and license agents or visit the DNR website at www.wvdnr.gov.
Contact Information
Curtis Taylor, Wildlife Resources Section
304-558-2771
dnr.wildlife@wv.gov