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As Virginia gears up for the start of deer hunting season on Saturday, the Department of Wildlife Resources is encouraging hunters to donate venison to help feed the hungry.

Hunters for the Hungry is a program set up to help feed those in need. Last year, 222,489 pounds of venison were donated. A list of processors for the program is available online.

DWR is also offering advice to hunters during Virginia’s general firearms deer season including taking a safety course and having a valid hunting license.

If you plan to hunt in one of the chronic wasting disease management areas, make sure you know the regulations including where carcasses can and can’t be transported.

Deer harvested on Nov. 15 in Patrick, Roanoke, Shenandoah, Smyth, Tazewell and Wythe counties are required to be tested for CWD. Staffed check stations will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Staffed locations as well as refrigerated drop-off locations can be found on the CWD testing map.

Deer harvested in other counties are not required to be submitted, but free testing is available to all hunters who wish to have a deer tested.

General tips for deer hunters

  • Know current hunting regulations
  • Inspect all gear including tree stands, safety harnesses and firearms to ensure they are safe and operational
  • If hunting on private property, make sure you communicate with the landowner and have permission to hunt there
  • Make sure you communicate your plan with someone: where you plan to hunt, what time to expect you home
  • Pack water and snacks
  • Pack a first aid kit
  • Pack a cell phone or other means of communication
  • Check the weather and dress appropriately
  • Wear the required blaze orange for safety
  • Know the property you plan to hunt including terrain and boundary lines and don’t forget to bring a map or mapping app and a compass
  • If you’re hunting from a tree stand, remember to wear a safety harness and use a fall arrest system
  • If your deer hunt includes the use of hounds, make sure all your dogs wear a substantial collar with a tag displaying the owner’s name and phone number

Video: Hunters for the Hungry program

Published by Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is a reporter and ad manager for Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at crystal@augustafreepress.com.