Ask the Conservation Officer (CO)

by Gary Hompland, Regional Conservation Officer, IDFG Question: "I've seen some articles in sporting magazines about sportsmen's groups that give some of their game meat to needy families. I was successful this year and would be willing to donate some of my game meat to several local needy families. Is there anything like this in the Magic Valley?" Answer: There are no sportsmen's groups that have taken on the goal of helping feed needy families in the area utilizing their fall harvest game or fish. In several states, sportsmen's groups collect game meat to either give away to needy families or hold wild game feeds during the holidays to provide a hot meal for indigent families and the homeless. Sportsmen that would like to donate some of their fall's hunting and fishing bounty to needy families should contact organizations that distribute food directly. Some of those local organizations include: Project Compassion Food Bank (208-308-4977), the Salvation Army (208-733-0569) or any of the numerous church affiliated organizations such as the West End Ministerial Association in Buhl or the Jerome Ministerial Association. This list is not all inclusive but is an example of the kinds of organizations that help needy families. They would all greatly appreciate any donations of food. Most of these organizations lack the ability to process wild game meat so any donations should be processed, frozen, and ready for consumption. Sportsmen giving game meat to these organizations as a gift must also provide the organization with a proxy statement indicating the donation as a gift. The statement must also contain the hunter's name, address, hunting license number, species and sex of the donated game animal, and date harvested. A pre-printed form is available in the current big game hunting regulations brochure. Recipients of the game meat will be required to sign a release indicating they have voluntarily accepted the game meat that has not been inspected. If you have any further questions you may call the Magic Valley Regional Office of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at (208)324-4350 or e-mail us at the Fish and Game web site at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov.