NRA Kicks Off 2nd Annual Wild Game Meat Donation Month in November
The National Rifle Association (NRA) is gearing up to launch its second annual “Wild Game Meat Donation Month” on November 1, 2024, continuing its strong advocacy for hunters to give back to their communities by donating excess venison or other game meat.
This nationwide initiative supports the long-established Hunters for the Hungry and Hunters Sharing the Harvest programs, which provide a vital service by connecting hunters with food banks and other organizations that help feed the less fortunate.
“Giving and sharing are always in season, so now is the perfect time to do your part by donating wild game to organizations that process and then distribute it to those in need,” said Peter Churchbourne, managing director of the NRA Hunting Division.
He added, “We hope that other organizations can help celebrate the hard-working network of Hunters for the Hungry/Hunters Sharing the Harvest organizations around America by helping spread the word and asking their members to donate legally harvested wild game meat.”
This year, the NRA is taking its efforts a step further by encouraging hunters to reach out to non-hunters in their communities.
Churchbourne explained, “New to this year’s celebration, we also request that all hunters share their wild game meat with a non-hunter. Make a point to cook a meal and tell your story to a non-hunter in the 24/25 season.”
Research conducted by the NRA indicates that non-hunters are overwhelmingly supportive of hunting when they personally know a hunter, with 98 percent of non-hunters approving of hunting activities when they understand that hunters consume the game they harvest.
Churchbourne emphasized the cultural significance of this outreach, noting, “To enhance the cultural acceptance of hunting, all hunters can do their part and share a meal and tell their story.”
The goal is not only to encourage donations but also to foster understanding and appreciation of hunting’s role in sustainable food sourcing and conservation.
Unfortunately, in 2023, many Hunters for the Hungry programs were unable to meet their goals due to a shortage of donations.
Churchbourne pointed out that members of conservation organizations are statistically three times more likely to contribute to Hunters for the Hungry.
The NRA hopes to reverse the trend this year by rallying support from its members and beyond. “These programs rely on the generosity of hunters to make sure their missions succeed,” Churchbourne said.
The NRA, a longtime supporter of Hunters for the Hungry, has continued to provide financial backing and advocacy for this essential network.
As the demand for food assistance grows, the NRA is calling on all hunters to participate in this year’s Wild Game Meat Donation Month and spread the word about the program to ensure its success.
To learn more about how to participate in Wild Game Meat Donation Month or to find local donation sites, visit NWGMDM.nra.org. For further details, contact Peter Churchbourne directly at [email protected].
For updates on initiatives like Wild Game Meat Donation Month and community support efforts, visit our homepage.