The Outdoorsman

Helping the Hungry

We are blessed to live in a state that is bountiful with wildlife. In turn, hunting is a popular sport, and folks show up in our forests by the droves during dedicated hunting seasons. In fact, a lot of enthusiasts plan their vacations around deer season, and rightfully so. It's a perfect opportunity to embark upon an excursion and fellowship with friends and family in the midst of Mother Nature.

The reasons people enjoy the sport are several fold, and hunters' intentions also vary. Some people have a sweet tooth for venison and appreciate the opportunity to partake in the natural bounties that have been bestowed upon us. There are also hunters, on the other hand, who are not so much into eating wild meat as they are into the sport.

In turn, some folks are in search of that trophy, while others are more interested in harvesting game that is more conducive to eating. Regardless of one's drive, neither of the reasons are wrong, and it's each and every person's preroga- tive to enjoy the sport for whatever their reason might be.

Regardless of one's reasoning, there are plenty of deer to go around. In fact, it's not beyond the realms of possibility for a hunter to harvest several deer in one season, lending to more meat than a family will devour throughout the entire year.

I'm confident all true sportsmen will agree that it is of utmost importance to not waste one of our state's greatest natural commodities. Protein, especially meat that is untainted with growth hormones and other chemicals, is a welcomed addition to most kitchens throughout the state.

Many of us take meat for granted. But there are others who are not as fortunate. Despite our status, it's important to remember that nobody is immune to the possibility of falling on hard times.

Let's face it: Arkansas is not known as a wealthy state. And even though some are fortunate enough to have a nest egg, others are barely keeping their heads above the water.

Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry offer the opportunity for local hunters to give back to the community by donating meat to those in need.