Each year, deer consume nearly 30 million dollars worth of crops in North Carolina. That’s money – each year – taken right out of the hands of our hard working farmers. 

And each year, local food banks consistently report a shortage of meat protein, like venison.

Though deer are plentiful, and the law allows each hunter to take six deer, sportsmen typically limit their harvest to just what their own family can consume.

So, deer populations continue to grow, farmers continue to lose income to hungry deer, and food banks struggle to provide protein.

Farmers Manage Deer project goals are to:

• Create new, sustainable income for farmers
• Offer hunters more harvest opportunity
• Help to feed the hungry in local communities

FARMERS/LANDOWNERS

• Receive $2/acre for hosting a 15-day hunt in November 2013
• Liability protection for farmers and landowners is provided
• Reduce crop lost as a result of deer damage
• Develop new farm revenues from hunting leases 2013 & beyond using the free on-line service by NCDA&CS “Hunt NC Farmland”
• Supply protein-rich venison to your community
• Manage deer for sustainable deer harvest opportunity & income

HUNTERS

• Finding a quality place to hunt remains one of the biggest challenges to hunters nationwide. 1 in 5 hunters lost hunting land access last year
• Explore on-going hunting opportunities with farmers who appreciate what you do
• Support farmers by hunting according to sustainable harvest plans, which will include, but may not be limited to, taking multiple doe
• Retain the venison you’ll use then donate the rest as a community service

COMMUNITY FOOD BANKS

• NC Hunters for the Hungry® processors grind meat at NCDA&CS certified facilities, then freeze in 2 lb. packages
• Local Churches, Civic and Youth groups get involved, offering transport and funding processing cost. A project that is both meaningful and easy to do
• An average of 160 meals will serve local communities with each deer donated
• Venison — the natural choice! High protein, low fat, lower in cholesterol than domestic meats

* Assumptions:
Annual Deer Harvest: 33% of 30-45 deer per square mile taken each year as a sustainable harvest
Soybeans: 4% additional annual crop yield due to decrease in deer damage: 2 BU/acre @ $14.5BU; Corn: 2% additional yield : 3 BU/acre @ $7.5/BU
Hunting Lease income will average $12/acre /full year. (Market range is $8- $20/acre/year depending on facilities, quality of habitat, and quality of herd)
Meals: 40 lbs. ground venison/deer; 1/4 pound venison per serving

FOR MORE INFORMATION
North Carolina Wildlife Federation
FARMERS MANAGE DEER
1024 Washington Street
Raleigh NC 27605
Guy: 919 250-8441
Judy: 919 608-3386
Email: guyandjudy@ncwf.org

Click here to download the Farmers Manage Deer flyer (PDF)