April 2024 e-edition - 2

FROM THE
DIRECTOR
Wyoming hunters are
putting an end to hunger
By Brian Nesvik
A
s hunters, we have many
reasons we take to the
field every year. Hunting
in Wyoming's incredible outdoors
not only provides the opportunity to
spend time with family and friends
but also ignites the thrill of pursuing a
big buck or bull, all while exploring the
natural resources of our state. For me
and most people who hunt, the benefit
of a successful hunt lasts not only with
memories but with the chance to eat
healthy meat throughout the year and
share that food with others.
As a young boy, I learned how to hunt
from my father, other family and friends and
was taught how to care for the meat. I was
fortunate as a child and still am today to eat
healthy, wild game meat around the dinner
table. But, not everyone in Wyoming has this
access to wild game - nor food. One in six
kids in our state struggle with food insecurity;
that is about 24,000 children. As hunters, we
can help change this.
Hunters know the value of Wyoming's
wildlife and their harvested big game, and
there's no better way to share the bounties of
our state than sharing it with those who need
it the most. Hunters interested in donating
their harvested big game animal to help fight
hunger in Wyoming can easily donate their
meat to Food from the Field - a statewide
partnership focused on building a sustainable
future fighting hunger.
Started by First Lady Jennie Gordon in
2 | April 2024
Since the inception of Food from the Field, hunters have donated more than 45,000 pounds of game meat, providing 180,000
meals to those in need. (Photo courtesy of Food From the Field)
2020, the program is part of her larger Wyoming
Hunger Initiative. The Wyoming Game
and Fish Department is a partner, along with
the Wyoming Department of Agriculture
and participating processors to streamline
the logistics of getting game meat donations
to food pantries throughout the state. Since
the inception of the program, hunters have
donated more than 45,000 pounds of game
meat, providing 180,000 meals to those in
need.
Food from the Field is emblematic of
Wyoming's values and hunting heritage. The
North American Model of Wildlife Conservation,
the basis of wildlife management in
the United States, emphasizes the sustainable
harvest of wild game meat as a crucial component
of wildlife management. There is truly
no better way to reflect Wyoming citizens'
compassion for those who need help than
by sharing wild harvested game meat in their
own communities.
Resident and nonresident hunters who are
interested can donate meat from elk, deer,
bighorn sheep, mountain goat, pronghorn
or moose. Hunters are invited to make a
financial contribution to help cover the cost
of processing if they are able. The Wyoming
Hunger Initiative is a private nonprofit and
derives its funding from donations and the
sale of donated Game and Fish Commissioner
licenses. In Wyoming, we understand
that caring for our community goes hand
in hand with sharing our blessings. I greatly
respect our First Lady and her hard work and
persistence to make this initiative successful
and effective in Wyoming. I am proud
of our state's hunters and the role they have
played and will continue to play in feeding
our neighbors who need help. Wild game
meat donations are not only nourishing the
bodies of those in need but are also building
a stronger, healthier Wyoming. As you plan
your fall hunts, consider a full or partial harvest
donation to Food from the Field.
Scan this QR code to learn more
about donating to the Wyoming
Hunger Initiative.

https://www.nohungerwyo.org/

April 2024 e-edition

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of April 2024 e-edition