2003 Hunters for the Hungry Overview

Record Food Donation

February 4, 2004

A total of 2,211 pounds of venison was donated to the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County by the Greenwich Sportsmen’s and Landowner’s Association during the 2003/04 bow season. This represents almost 9,000 healthy meals for those in our area, including over 100 Greenwich families, who largely depend on local food pantries for their meals. For the third straight year GSLA was by far the largest donor in Connecticut to the Hunter’s for the Hungry program.

Founded in 1991 GSLA has become a leader in Connecticut in results oriented efforts to address the overpopulation of deer. Under the leadership of President Robert DeLaney, GSLA is working closely with Greenwich Conservation Director Denise Savageau, DEP Biologist Howard Kilpatrick and several Greenwich homeowners’ associations to implement programs to increase the number of deer harvested by resident bowhunters. In addition, GSLA was chosen to work closely with the National Audubon Society to conduct a program to reduce the deer herd on its flagship sanctuary in Greenwich .

GSLA’s Hunter for the Hungry program has become the model for Connecticut towns. Emulated by other municipalities, the program not only addresses the regional overpopulation of deer, but also makes a substantial contribution to the relief of the hungry in our area. GSLA members volunteer countless hours to manage the program, deliver the deer for processing, label the venison and deliver it to the Food bank. The funds necessary to process the venison are raised from donations from local homeowners and GSLA members.

2003 Audubon Program Fact Sheet

1. 16 members participated

2. 347.4 Hours were spent in tree stands

a) 219.3 hours in November (14)

b) 100.6 hours in December (13)

c) 27.5 hours in January (3)

3. 30 deer were taken

a) 28 doe were taken

b) 2 bucks was taken

4. There were 0 deer wounded

5. 990 pounds of venison was donated to the Lower Fairfield County Food Bank from the Audubon program