SD GFP NEWS FOR 4-17-09
Another Good Year for Sportsmen Against Hunger
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Sportsmen Against Hunger (SAH) program donated approximately 90,000 pounds of venison and 3,066 pheasants to people in need across the state during the 2008 hunting seasons.
As a part of the program, certificates worth $50.00 for antlerless deer and $40 certificates for doe/fawn antelope were available at participating game processing facilities across the state. The past year there were 1,950 certificates used for antlerless deer and 354 certificates used for doe/kid antelope. The 2,304 certificates is an increase from the 1,757 certificates used in 2007.
Since it’s inception, donations to the
SAH program have continued to
grow. The 90,000 pounds donated in 2008 was 17% greater than the 74,957 pounds
donated in 2007.
“The generosity of hunters never ceases to amaze me” said Jeff Olson, president of the state Sportsmen Against Hunger program. “Sportsmen also donated 271 antlered deer, which do not qualify for the certificate program. They picked up the processing fees themselves on those deer. The hunting tradition is strong in South Dakota and the results of last year’s program show that the tradition of sharing with those less fortunate is strong as well.”
There are a number of other ways that game is donated to SAH besides using the certificate system. Additional pounds are donated to food banks thru clean-out-your-freezer food drives and sportsmen taking game directly to the food banks in their area.
According to Community Food Banks of South Dakota, the venison donated in 2008 translated into meat for over 360,000 meals for hungry families. Olson says they are always looking for more that can be done.
“I am truly amazed at the demand for game from our program. We are not coming
close to meeting the needs of hungry families in our state. According to the
Community Food Banks, one in seven families are at risk of not having sufficient
resources to feed their families. I am certain that ratio is not getting better
with the current state of the economy and the need is even stronger,” Olson
said.
Hunters can contribute in more than just donating harvested game. Certificates to processors are valued at $50 making this a costly program. “SAH is always looking for extra ways to fund this program,” Olson said. “Sportsmen can donate on an optional check off box when applying for their big game tags or directly to the SAH web site.”
Tax-deductible donations can be made by visiting www.feedtheneedsd.com
SD Game Fish and parks has been a major supporter of this program. The GF&P Commission supports the program thru hunting license dollars.
Another source of income comes to the program thru grants. SAH received $50,000 from Wal-Mart to help fund the SAH program last year. That is the largest grant to date. Wal-Mart along with Scheels, the Elmen Foundation and the Greater Dacotah Chapter of SCI have been supporting the program for many years. “A special thanks goes to Midcontinent Communications for airing the many PSA’s over the years along with the Black Hills Advertising Association for helping in getting the word out on this program,” Olson said. “There are so many people to thank that keep this program so successful, from the sportsmen who go out and harvest a few more deer than they would normally take to the corporations who understand the need here in South Dakota. Thanks for yet another banner year for Sportsmen Against Hunger.”
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Rapid City Man Receives Special HuntSAFE Recognition Award
RAPID CITY, S.D-Stan Lieberman of Rapid City received the 2009 HuntSAFE Special Recognition Award at ceremonies held on April 3rd in Rapid City.
Stan was presented the award at the biannual HuntSAFE Conference held April 3rd and 4th. During his 25 year involvement with HuntSAFE, Stan has helped thousands of students learn about safe gun handling skills and hunting ethics. Stan’s teaching style impacts students and involves them in the classroom instruction.
Pennington County Conservation Officer Brian Meiers said, “Stan is an unwavering supporter of wildlife, resource management and law enforcement.” Jeff Edwards, fellow Pennington County Conservation Officer added, “It’s a pleasure to work with Stan in promoting hunting and the outdoors to the people, especially the young people, of South Dakota.”
“It is my honor to present Stan with the 2009 HuntSAFE Special Recognition Award,” stated Curt Robertson, HuntSAFE Coordinator for the state of South Dakota. “Stan has proven over the years that one person can make a difference for wildlife in this state.”
Stan’s many accomplishments in life include being a Pearl Harbor veteran, a 30 year career at KOTA TV and radio, a Game, Fish & Parks Commissioner and an avid sportsman and conservationist. Stan’s award included a specially made HuntSAFE collector’s pocket watch and testimonials to Stan’s achievements from GFP Regional Supervisor Mike Kintigh, Meiers and Edwards.
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