Photo by Forrest Fisher Pulled venison burgers are the meat that goes with the potatoes for many struggling families that rely on venison donations from hunters for their affordable (free) protein supply.

For generations now, New York hunters have done far more than pursue the cherished outdoor tradition of big game hunting for deer. They have helped manage wildlife populations responsibly while providing thousands of pounds of healthy venison to food pantries and families in need across the state.

Today, that long-standing partnership is under threat, thanks to lawmakers from the environmental conservation committees in Albany. It seems, from this source, to be a dichotomy in wildlife conservation logic all by itself. Most hunters with firearms have been using lead shotgun ammo to harvest deer since they started hunting.

For me, 60 years.

Problems?

I cannot find any scientific evidence to support this lawmaker’s direction.

Regardless of the logic, bills A10352 and S9473 would prohibit the donation of venison harvested with traditional lead ammunition for human consumption. Supporters claim the legislation is about public health, but the real-world consequences could be severe for hunger relief efforts, deer management programs, and New York’s outdoor heritage.

Each year, sportsmen donate tens of thousands of pounds of venison through partnerships involving the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Feeding New York State, Hunters Helping the Hungry, the Venison Donation Coalition, and local processors and charities. That meat becomes an important healthy protein source for struggling families at a time when food insecurity remains a serious issue in many communities.

If these bills become law, many hunters may simply stop donating deer because of added restrictions and uncertainty. The result would be less food reaching food kitchens and charitable organizations that already face growing demand.

There are also broader conservation concerns. Deer population management in New York depends heavily on hunter participation. Venison donation programs encourage ethical harvest and allow hunters to make full use of their tags, even when they already have enough meat for their own families. Discouraging donation could reduce harvest numbers and undermine wildlife management goals established by conservation professionals.

Equally important, many sportsmen question the justification behind these bills. There is no widely accepted, conclusive scientific evidence proving that properly processed venison harvested with traditional ammunition poses a meaningful public health risk. Yet Albany lawmakers appear willing to remove a critical food resource based on assumptions rather than clear consensus science. It could be that this is just one more animal rights effort to curtail the broad spectrum of hunting as a recreational opportunity for New York sportsmen and women.

Outdoor leaders across Western New York and from the New York State Conservation Council are urging hunters, anglers, conservationists, and all supporters of food donation programs to take action now. Jack Coad and Jim Steel are reminding sportsmen that individual voices still matter. Legislative decisions are often shaped by the people willing to contact their elected officials directly.

The message to Albany should be simple: don’t punish the very people helping feed New Yorkers while supporting conservation efforts statewide.

Sportsmen are encouraged to contact their representative members of the New York State Assembly and Senate and respectfully urge opposition to A10352 and S9473. Tell them why. Protect venison donation programs, protect responsible wildlife management, and protect an outdoor tradition that continues to benefit communities in need across New York. To find your local state assembly representative visit https://nyassembly.gov/mem/search/ and simply fill out your street address and town. To find your state senator visit https://www.nysenate.gov/find-my-senator and do the same.

Gotta love the outdoors.

Outdoors Calendar

May 16: Asheville Bay Marina kids shore fishing derby, on site, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; two age groups: 10 and under, 11-16. Free entry. Register at Chautauqua Reel Bait/Tackle, 2500 NY-394, Ashville, 716-763-2947.

May 16: Hawkeye Bowmen Archery, NY Bowhunter 3D Shoot, 7 a.m.-12 noon, course closes 2 p.m., 30 targets, $20, under 12 free; 13300 Clinton St., Alden, NY.

May 16: Southtowns Walleye Annual Perch Tournament, Lake Erie, $40/person, best 5-fish total, Info: Paul Sanchez, 716-228-6520.

May 16: NYS Outdoorsman Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Theodore’s Restaurant (Canastota, NY), 4PM. $35/person. Info: Scott Faulkner, 315-225-0192.