BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Hunters across Pennsylvania had a record-breaking season, donating almost 300,000 pounds of venison to those in need.
“A staggering 283,789 pounds of venison was donated from 7,855 deer harvested statewide during the 2024 — 25 hunting seasons,” according to a news release from Hunters Sharing the Harvest, the commonwealth’s venison donation program.
“The year’s donation total equates to approximately 1.1 million servings of lean, nutritious venison delivered to food-insecure individuals and families throughout the commonwealth.”
For more than three decades, Hunters Sharing the Harvest has facilitated a venison donation program throughout Pennsylvania, creating a network of deer processors and hunger relief agencies.
The effort has expanded into the Lehigh Valley over the past few years, and is growing in popularity.
Currently, there are two participating processors in the Valley — Frable’s Deer Processing outside Slatington, and Hillside Smokehouse in Upper Mount Bethel Township.
Hillside took in five deer for a total of 176 pounds, according to data from HSH. Through Frable’s, 1,063 pounds was donated from an estimated 28 deer.
The meat from Frable’s was split, with 1,008 pounds donated to Northern Lehigh Food Bank and 55 pounds to Bethany Wesleyan Church. All meat donated to Hillside went to ProJeCt of Easton.
‘Hunting as social service’
The process is simple and free for hunters interested in sharing their harvest. After tagging and field-dressing the deer, they take it to a participating processor.
From there, the processor takes all the usable venison and grinds it up into 1- or 2-pound packages, similar to ground beef at the grocery store.
Then, it’s distributed to local food pantries or food banks, where it lands in the hands of those most in need.
“Hunters across Pennsylvania continue to embody this notion of hunting as social service in which hunters demonstrate just how much they care about feeding families in need."HSH Executive Director Randy Ferguson
“Every year, our expectations are surpassed,” HSH Executive Director Randy Ferguson said.
“Hunters across Pennsylvania continue to embody this notion of hunting as social service in which hunters demonstrate just how much they care about feeding families in need. These record-breaking numbers reflect not only their commitment, but also the dedication of processors, volunteers, sponsors and partners across the state.”
Ferguson said he’s still looking to expand in the Valley.
“I am actively seeking additional processors in both counties,” Ferguson said. “I am talking with one in Northampton that I hope to be adding in the next few days.”
It’s the second record-breaking season in a row.
During the 2023-24 season, 261,672 pounds of venison was donated from 6,905 deer and six elk statewide.
Locally that season, Frable’s took in 31 deer, with about 1,150 pounds donated, according to Ferguson. Hillside took in five, with 265 pounds donated.
