The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®) is honored to mark a significant milestone with the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, surpassing $1 million in grants, invested in youth archery, outdoor education, and conservation-focused programming.

For more than a decade, the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to NASP®’s mission to introduce students of all backgrounds to archery through school-based programs that build confidence, focus, and lifelong connections to the outdoors. This latest grant reflects the continued dedication to supporting students, educators, and communities through meaningful access to archery in schools.

“Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s has long been a leader in connecting families to the outdoors, and we are deeply grateful for its continued support of NASP®,” said NASP® President Tommy Floyd. “This investment helps ensure students across the country have the opportunity to experience archery in a safe, structured, and educational environment, creating access for students who may not otherwise have a familial pathway into outdoor recreation.”

NASP® gratefully acknowledges Bass Pro Shops founder and noted conservationist Johnny Morris for his continued belief in programs that connect youth with the outdoors. His leadership and longstanding support of conservation-focused education reflect a shared understanding that early, positive experiences — like archery in schools — can inspire responsibility, stewardship, and a lasting connection to the natural world.

“We’re proud to stand alongside our customers in supporting the National Archery in the Schools Program. It makes us all very happy to help more kids discover the joy of archery and build a lifelong connection to the outdoors,” said Johnny Morris.

NASP® also extends sincere appreciation to Bass Pro Shops customers who support the Outdoor Fund by rounding up their purchases at the register and online. These efforts and resources dedicated to support conservation have helped NASP® direct resources for school support as it purchases archery equipment and introduces students to a lifetime sport rooted in focus, responsibility, and conservation values.

“This support allows NASP® and our state partners to place archery equipment directly into schools,” said NASP® Vice President Jeff Rawlinson. “That first experience with a bow often becomes a student’s first step toward conservation, outdoor recreation, and a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.”

The Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund has a long and storied history of supporting programs like NASP®, helping schools access archery equipment and giving students meaningful opportunities to engage in outdoor recreation and conservation.

With the continued support of the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, NASP® remains focused on expanding access to archery in schools, serving millions of students, and helping educators provide inclusive, impactful outdoor education experiences for years to come.

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Bear Archery is expanding its digital presence with the launch of newly redesigned websites for Gold Tip and Bee Stinger. The updated platforms give archers and bowhunters a more modern, user-friendly way to explore products, learn about new technology, and connect with two recognizable names in the archery industry.

The new Gold Tip website showcases the brand’s lineup of hunting and target arrows with improved navigation and a cleaner overall design. Visitors can browse arrow specifications, compare products, and learn more about the engineering behind Gold Tip’s carbon arrow technology. The site is designed to help both experienced shooters and beginners quickly find equipment that fits their shooting style and performance goals.

Bee Stinger’s new website delivers a similar upgrade, focusing on a streamlined experience for archers looking for stabilizers, counter slides, and vibration reduction systems. The refreshed layout makes it easier to explore products built to improve bow balance and shot consistency. Educational content and detailed product information also help shooters better understand how stabilization systems can impact accuracy in the field or on the range.

The launch of both websites reflects Bear Archery’s continued investment in growing its family of archery brands. By creating updated online platforms, the company is making it easier for customers to research gear, discover new products, and stay connected with the latest innovations in archery equipment.

Gold Tip and Bee Stinger have both earned strong reputations among hunters and competitive archers over the years. Gold Tip is widely known for durable, precision-built arrows, while Bee Stinger has become a trusted name in stabilization technology used by shooters across multiple disciplines.

With the introduction of these redesigned websites, Bear Archery is helping modernize the online experience for both brands while continuing to support the archery community with high-performance equipment and accessible product information.

Learn more by visiting Gold Tip and Bee Stinger.

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Since its founding in 2004, Last Chance Archery has been a company driven by innovation, fair, affordable pricing, and customer satisfaction.

LCA’s Mission Statement

“We are a faith-based, family-owned, and operated manufacturing business passionate about innovation. We will deliver world-class customer service and manufacture high-quality, fairly priced, innovative products for the outdoor community.”

Founded by Leon Pittman, an Air Force Veteran, Last Chance Archery is now partially owned by his daughter, Wendy Clark, whose husband, Chris, and their children, Cody, Justin, Jonathan, Evan, Grace, and Elijah, all work side by side in the business.

The company has seen consistent annual growth since the early years, when the only product was a bow press. Which happens to be the industry’s only patented bow press. The key to LCA’s bow press technology is how the press compresses with limb tip fingers, so that when you’re pressing the bow, it presses exactly as if the bow is being drawn back, avoiding additional stress on the limbs or the riser. LCA holds the only limb tip compression patents for bow presses, period. Today, LCA manufactures 15 unique versions of a bow press, 60+ bow press accessory attachments, and an additional 150+ archery products that are there to make your life as an archer easier. From bow presses and attachments to arrow building tools and arrow wraps, we have you covered. If it involves building or tuning “any” archery equipment, we have the tools for you.

While product designs have changed and the portfolio of products offered has grown, several things have remained at the core of everything Last Chance does.

More than anything else, our company-wide belief is to honor our customers. To do that, we strive to engineer and manufacture the most innovative, high-quality products. We seek to produce these products and deliver them to market at a fair and affordable price.

As our company has grown, so has our commitment to industry education and to introducing youth to our sport. Over the years, nearly the entire family has attended and competed in tournaments across the country through various organizations. The LCA trailer, booth, and Fix-It Station have been a fixture at these events for years. Helping archers in need tune, repair, and save their weekend with the correct tools on site when the unexpected happens.

In our effort to continually deliver new and improved products to the sport of archery, LCA has a dedicated R&D department with specialized machinery to support new product development. There’s an ongoing list of new products that the team works on 365 days a year.

In 2025, we made a significant investment in redesigning and upgrading the Last Chance Archery website. For our customers, the new website is much more user-friendly and offers improved functionality. On the back end, the new website provides tools we use to more accurately track orders and fill them more rapidly. The site allows international purchases with accurate shipping quotes and makes it easy for dealers to log in and order with dealer-specific pricing.

As our company continues to grow, our focus and our mission will never change. Our customers are the reason we are in business, and we will do whatever is needed to provide the most innovative products at the best price, always in a friendly and professional way.

If you don’t know us, pick up the phone and give us a call just to say hi. If you are one of our loyal customers, thank you. We are grateful for your business.

Web: www.lastchancearchery.com

Email: sales@lastchancearchery.com

Phone: 706-654-1961

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Whitetails Unlimited has granted $334,536 to various mission-related projects in the state of Michigan over the past fiscal year. More than 130 different organizations received grants pertaining to outdoor education, habitat enhancement, and hunting and shooting sports preservation. This was done in large part with the help of Whitetails Unlimited’s 47 Michigan chapters.

A large portion of these funds were spent through WTU’s Preserving the Hunting Tradition Program, which focuses on increasing hunting opportunities and providing outdoor experiences for youth, women, veterans, and those with a disability. Whitetails Unlimited supports hunter rights, the Second Amendment, and that hunting is a wholesome family activity that provides outdoor recreation and healthy food for millions of people.

About Whitetails Unlimited:

Since our beginning in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited has remained true to its mission and has made great strides in the field of conservation. Thanks to more than 475 chapters, 120,000-plus members, chapter volunteers, and corporate sponsors, Whitetails Unlimited has earned the reputation of being the nation’s premier organization dedicating its resources to the betterment of the white-tailed deer and its environment. Our mission is to raise funds in support of educational programs, wildlife habitat enhancement and acquisition, and preservation of the shooting sports and hunting tradition for future generations. To date, Whitetails Unlimited has expended more than $159.3 million on program services and activities that continue to enhance, and ultimately foster, our mission. Stay connected with us: Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, WTU Website

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History provides context on just how good Pennsylvania spring turkey hunters have had it lately.

During the state’s first spring turkey season in 1968, the total take was 1,636.

Compare that to last year, when hunters harvested an estimated 42,543 birds. Not only was that the largest spring turkey harvest in the last five years, it wasn’t far off the all-time record of 44,639, set in 2009.

This year is shaping up to be another good one, too.

The 2026 spring gobbler season starts with a one-day hunt for junior license holders and mentored hunters 16 and younger on Saturday, April 25. The statewide spring turkey season opens a week later, running from May 2-16, when hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to noon, and May 18-30, when hunting hours run from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

Hunters are allowed one gobbler with their general license. Those who purchase a second spring gobbler tag by May 1 can take a second bird, as well, though no more than one per day.

Hunters should be aware there is no Sunday hunting for spring gobblers this year. That will change in 2027 – the Pennsylvania Game Commission earlier this month approved the 2026-27 hunting seasons – but spring turkey hunting this season is open only Monday through Saturday.

Still, much opportunity awaits hunters.

Pennsylvania’s statewide turkey population has been on the upswing in recent years and harvests have climbed accordingly. That’s not just a result of there being lots of hunters either. Pennsylvania had an estimated 170,265 spring gobbler hunters in 2025, 10,701 of them juniors.

But in monitoring turkey population trends, the Game Commission examines the number of birds harvested per 100 days of hunter effort, which accounts for changes in hunter participation, said Reina Tyl, the agency’s turkey biologist. And in 2025, the statewide average of 5.46 gobblers taken per 100 days was higher than both the latest three-year (5.21) and five-year (4.72) averages.

The future looks bright, too.

The Game Commission tracks turkey productivity – how many new young birds are produced – through a summer sighting survey. It allows agency staff to calculate the number of poults observed per hen, to get a poults-to-hen ratio. In 2024, every Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) across the state saw a poult-to-hen ratio higher than 2.0. The statewide average was 3.22.

That “indicates relatively good productivity statewide,” Tyl said.

It also translates – right now, this season – to opportunities to go head-to-head with plenty of fun, vocal toms.

“Those males that hatched in 2024 will be 2-year-old gobblers this spring turkey season, which should make for some great turkey hunting,” Tyl noted.

Nearly one in four hunters – 23% – harvested at least one gobbler last year. Tyl said hunters up their odds through scouting. Gobblers can’t help but give clues to their whereabouts, she added. They want to be seen and heard by hens, so they often choose roost sites that maximize how far their gobbling will carry. They’ll often display near field edges and forest openings like logging roads that increase their odds of being seen, too.

“Looking at topographic maps, land cover maps and satellite imagery can be a great way to identify possible roost locations and fly-down areas,” Tyl added. “But putting in the work on the ground to confirm where gobblers are roosting and to locate their preferred displaying areas will take the guesswork out and increase your odds of success.”

Regulations and licensing

The April 25 spring turkey youth hunt is open to junior license holders and mentored hunters 16 and under. Junior license holders who are 16 or older can hunt alone. All other participants must, by law, be accompanied by an adult.

An adult mentor accompanying a mentored youth may supervise no more than three hunters total, and must carry the sporting arm at all times while moving. Hunting hours during the youth hunt end at noon.

Throughout the spring turkey season, hunters may use manually operated or semiautomatic shotguns limited to a three-shell capacity in the chamber and magazine combined. Muzzleloading shotguns, crossbows and long, recurve and compound bows also are permitted.

Only bearded birds may be harvested during the spring season. Hunters are encouraged to refrain from knowingly harvesting bearded hens because they do nest and raise broods.

There is no requirement for hunters to wear fluorescent orange during the spring turkey season, though wearing it is recommended while moving.

Blinds used while turkey hunting must be manufactured with manmade materials of sufficient density to block movement within the blind from an observer outside the blind. Blinds must completely enclose the hunter on all four sides and from above. It is unlawful to hunt turkeys from blinds made of natural materials such as logs, tree branches and piled rocks.

Blinds that represent the fanned tail of a gobbler do not hide all hunter movement and are unsafe, and therefore are unlawful to use in Pennsylvania.

Hunters may pursue spring gobblers only by calling birds. It is unlawful, as well as unsafe, to stalk turkeys or turkey sounds. When in a stationary position, a hunter should sit with their back against a large tree, rock or other barrier that shields movement and offers protection from others who might approach from the rear. All hunters are to wait and properly identify their targets prior to pulling the trigger.

A spring turkey tag comes with a Pennsylvania general hunting license, and spring turkey harvest tags are issued to mentored hunters 7 and older.

Pennsylvania hunters also may purchase a license to harvest a second gobbler in the spring season, with a limit of one gobbler harvested per day. Sales of this license end May 1, one day before the regular statewide season begins.

The $21.97 license ($41.97 for nonresidents) contains a harvest tag. The license can be purchased online, but cannot be printed at home or used before it arrives, so purchasing it directly from an issuing agent might be the best option.

Mentored hunters under 7 who harvest a spring turkey must receive a tag by transfer from their mentor. A recent change by the Pennsylvania Game Commission to provide turkey and antlered deer tags to mentored hunters under 7 will take effect in the 2026-27 license year.

For more information on spring turkey hunting rules and regulations, pertaining to the youth or regular hunts, check the 2025-26 Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest, which is available online at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pgc/huntingandtrapping/regulations/hunting-trapping-digest.

Turkey hunting safety

Hunting is safer in Pennsylvania now than it’s ever been. That applies to spring turkey hunting, too.

But even one accident is one too many. So when you go into the turkey woods this spring, remember these safety tips:

• For safety, turkey hunters should not wear clothing that contains black, like the color found on a turkey’s body, or red, white or blue, like those on a turkey’s head.
• Sit against a large stump, tree trunk or boulder that is wider than your shoulders and higher than your head. This hides your movement from turkeys and offers protection from other hunters who might approach from the rear.
• Positively identify your target. Be certain it’s a legal turkey and that there’s nothing in your line of fire, between you and the target or beyond it, before pulling the trigger.
• If you shoot a bird, put your gun’s safety on and approach the downed bird with your firearm pointed in a safe direction. Never run with it.
• If you see another hunter, never move, wave or make turkey sounds. Rather, remain still and speak in a loud, clear voice to announce your presence.
• Leave an area if you suspect there’s another hunter already working the same bird.
• Finally, while there is no requirement to wear fluorescent orange while turkey hunting, it is recommended to wear it while moving.

Reporting harvests

Successful turkey hunters must immediately tag their bird before moving it from the harvest site and are required by law to report the harvest to the Game Commission within 10 days. Those reports are key to managing turkeys, as they allow the Game Commission to estimate harvest and population trends.

Hunters can report turkeys in three ways: by visiting https://HuntFish.PA.gov and clicking the blue “Report a Harvest” button near the top of the home page; by calling 1-800-838-4431; or by filling out and mailing the harvest report card in the digest hunters get when they buy a license.

Have your harvest tag in front of you when reporting to be sure you can provide all the requested information.

The public also is asked to report any turkeys harvested or found with leg bands or radio transmitters. Not only does the reporter learn when and approximately where the bird was trapped, but the information received about those birds – which are legal to take – helps estimate spring harvest rate and annual survival rate by Wildlife Management Unit. Those are critical pieces of data for the state’s turkey population model. What’s more, the radioed turkeys are part of ongoing research studies.

Leg bands feature a toll-free number, website and email address for reporting.

Handling turkeys

Though their habits and comparatively smaller flock sizes put turkeys at less risk for contracting Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) compared to some other bird species, avian flu can affect turkeys.

When handling or dressing harvested birds, hunters should follow precautions to protect themselves and reduce the risk of spreading this extremely contagious disease. These include:

• Have dedicated footwear, clothing and tools used only for that purpose.
• Wear gloves.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke.
• Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer immediately after.
• Wash all tools and work surfaces with soap and water, then disinfect with a 10% household bleach solution. Allow to air dry or rinse after 10 minutes of contact time.
• Change footwear and clothing before coming in contact with any domestic poultry or pet birds.
• Dress harvested wild birds in the field.
• Double-bag any offal and feathers that will be removed from the field.
• Do not handle or harvest wild birds that appear sick or are found dead.

While influenza viruses can infect humans, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the viruses circulating in the United States currently “are believed to pose a low risk to the general public.”

Anyone finding sick or dead wild birds, though, should report those to the Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-WILD or online using the Wildlife Health Survey tool at www.pgcapps.pa.gov/WHS. Sick or dead domestic birds should be reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture at 717-772-2852.

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Banks Outdoors, known for their exceptional blinds, feeders, and innovative wildlife watering systems, remains a Whitetails Unlimited national sponsor. “Banks Outdoors knows how to combine space, comfort, and concealment to help lead to the success and overall experience for hunters,” said Whitetails Unlimited President Jeff Schinkten. “They offer a range of blind sizes, from single‑person options to models spacious enough for hunting with kids or a spouse. Banks also provides high‑quality utility sleds and a variety of blind accessories that help elevate the hunting experience.”

Banks Outdoors is located in Cannon Falls, Minnesota, and has an extensive dealer network. If there is no dealer within a reasonable driving distance consumers can order directly from Banks. There is a dealer locator on their website, along with complete information about all their products. For more information about Banks Outdoors and their line of products, visit their website at banksoutdoors.com.

About Whitetails Unlimited:

Since our beginning in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited has remained true to its mission and has made great strides in the field of conservation. Thanks to more than 475 chapters, 120,000-plus members, chapter volunteers, and corporate sponsors, Whitetails Unlimited has earned the reputation of being the nation’s premier organization dedicating its resources to the betterment of the white-tailed deer and its environment. Our mission is to raise funds in support of educational programs, wildlife habitat enhancement and acquisition, and preservation of the shooting sports and hunting tradition for future generations. To date, Whitetails Unlimited has expended more than $159.3 million on program services and activities that continue to enhance, and ultimately foster, our mission. Stay connected with us: Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, WTU WebsiteHomeSubscriptionAdvertisingContact© 2026 Archery Wire. All rights reserved.

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Archery has been awarded a USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) Multi-State Conservation Grant to lead a nationwide, data-driven initiative designed to increase participation in target archery in advance of the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. 

With archery set to take center stage at the LA28 Games, USA Archery aims to partner with state fish and wildlife agencies and other key stakeholders to harness this unprecedented visibility and convert it into sustained growth in the sport. The initiative will focus on recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) strategies to ensure that new and returning archers become lifelong participants.

“LA28 represents a transformational moment for archery in the United States,” said Mary Emmons, Chief of Sport Performance and Operations. “This grant allows us to proactively prepare – ensuring that increased awareness translates into meaningful, long-term participation across diverse communities.”

Archery continues to attract broad and growing audiences, particularly among youth, women, and families. According to the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, approximately 19 million Americans participate in target archery, with nearly 20 percent under the age of 16.

As a safe, inclusive, and community-based activity, target archery often serves as an entry point to broader outdoor recreation, including hunting and other shooting sports.

Building on strong momentum – highlighted by USA Archery achieving the second-highest global social media reach among national archery federations during the 2024 Olympic Games – the project aims to ensure that interest generated by LA28 is not only captured but sustained.

The initiative will deliver new national and regional research to better understand awareness, motivations, and barriers to participation in target archery among key audiences, including the general public, hunters, anglers, and R3 professionals. These insights will inform the development of a comprehensive R3 digital toolkit tailored specifically to target archery.

The toolkit will provide:

• Data-driven marketing and communication strategies
• Digital engagement assets for agencies and partners
• Proven partnership models to expand reach and impact
• Practical tools to support local and regional program delivery

USA Archery will lead the project, with Responsive Management an internationally recognized social science research firm specializing in natural resource and outdoor recreation issues serving as a subrecipient responsible for research, analysis, and reporting.

Responsive Management has over 35 years of experience helping government agencies, nonprofits, industry groups, and academic institutions understand public attitudes, interests, and barriers related to outdoor participation, and has conducted studies in all 50 U.S. states and multiple countries. Their expertise ensures that the project’s findings will be data-driven, actionable, and tailored to the needs of state agencies and R3 professionals.

“This project represents a unique opportunity for the R3 community to take advantage of an important growing market,” said Responsive Management Executive Director Mark Damian Duda. “The new data, strategies, and tools from this effort will allow state agencies and their partners to harness the heightened interest around the LA28 Games and help drive long-term participation and continued growth in archery.”

By equipping agencies and partners with actionable insights and resources, this initiative will help ensure that the spotlight of the LA28 Games drives lasting engagement in archery nationwide – strengthening pathways for participation from grassroots to elite levels.

About USA Archery
USA Archery is the National Governing Body for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of archery in the United States. Founded in 1879, the organization promotes and grows the sport nationwide while supporting athletes to achieve sustained competitive excellence at the Olympic, Paralympic, World Championship, and international levels.

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Proudly manufactured in Ohio, Treelimb Quivers has built a strong reputation around durability, lightweight design, and secure arrow retention suited for demanding hunting conditions. By keeping production domestic, the company is able to closely monitor quality and deliver consistent performance across its product lineup. This commitment to American manufacturing continues to resonate with dealers and bowhunters who prioritize dependable gear.

The addition of H&H Archery Distribution brings Treelimb Quivers into a well-established Midwest network. Based in Minnesota, H&H Archery has served archery retailers for decades, offering a wide selection of products and a reputation for dependable service. Its long-standing relationships with dealers make it a natural fit to help expand Treelimb’s presence, particularly among independent pro shops looking for reliable inventory and responsive support.

Under the new agreement, H&H Archery Distribution will offer a range of Treelimb Quivers models, giving dealers greater flexibility in selecting products that match their customers’ preferences. The partnership is expected to improve product availability across the region while simplifying the ordering process for retailers.

This move aligns with Treelimb Quivers’ broader 2026 strategy of building strong distribution partnerships without compromising its core focus on function-first design. By working with trusted distributors like H&H Archery, the brand is positioned to continue growing its footprint while staying true to its roots.

For more information, visit www.treelimbquivers.com

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The new website features a streamlined design that makes it easier than ever for archers to explore Gold Tip’s full lineup of premium carbon arrows. From rugged hunting shafts built for durability and penetration to ultra-precise target arrows designed for consistency and accuracy, the site provides detailed product breakdowns to help users choose the right arrow for their needs.

One of the standout improvements is the enhanced educational content. Visitors can now access in-depth guides on arrow selection, spine charts, and tuning tips—valuable resources for both beginners and seasoned archers. The improved navigation and mobile-friendly layout ensure that users can quickly find information whether they’re in the field, at the range, or at home.

Gold Tip has long been trusted by professionals and enthusiasts for producing some of the most consistent arrows on the market. The new website reinforces that reputation by highlighting the technology and craftsmanship behind each product, including strict tolerances and quality control standards.

With this launch, Gold Tip aims to better connect with its growing community while providing a more informative and engaging online experience. The redesign reflects not just a visual upgrade, but a deeper investment in helping archers perform at their highest level.

Visit the new website: https://www.goldtip.com

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This major milestone comes after Governor Maura Healey’s announcement last month to file legislation to expand hunting across Massachusetts. The proposals will help build on the program’s growth, opening the door for more hunters to participate.

“For generations, hunters in Massachusetts have helped put food on the table for their families and neighbors while supporting local economies across our state,” said Governor Healey. “Reaching 100,000 donated meals is a remarkable milestone, and it shows the real impact of this program for communities across our state. That is why I am proposing legislation to expand access to hunting, including allowing Sunday hunting, so more people can participate in this tradition and help deliver healthy, local food to families in need.”

“Hunting plays an important role in managing wildlife, supporting local businesses, and now donating tens of thousands of meals to their neighbors,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Programs like this make sure those economic benefits reach the whole community, including families who are struggling to get by.”

Food insecurity is a serious and growing challenge. According to the Greater Boston Food Bank, more than 1 in 3 Massachusetts households struggle to put food on the table. Venison is a lean protein and deer harvested in Massachusetts provide the equivalent of more than 4.4 million meals each year. The Hunters Share the Harvest program ensures more of that food reaches families who need it most.

“Hunters are an important tool for managing deer populations. Through this program, the same harvest that manages deer overpopulation is also putting food on tables,” said Energy and Environmental Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “This is one of many examples of delivering benefits for families, public safety, and wildlife management.”

“As a hunter myself, I know that hunting has always been about more than the sport. It is about tradition, community, and taking care of the people around you,” said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “That’s the culture of hunting in Massachusetts: feeding your own family, your neighbor, and doing the same for someone in need. And that’s what our Hunters Share the Harvest is all about. We could not do this without our hunters—thank you for making this possible.”

Venison donated through MassWildlife’s Hunters Share the Harvest Program is now distributed through more than 25 food programs, reaching families in over 250 municipalities across the state. Participating butcher shops and processors work alongside hunger relief organizations to ensure venison is handled safely and reaches people quickly. Since its inception, more than 750 deer have been donated through the program.

“This milestone reflects the generous spirit of our hunting community and the dedication of our processing and distribution partners,” said MassWildlife Acting Director Eve Schlüter. “Every donation makes a real difference for families across Massachusetts who may not otherwise have access to fresh, healthy protein.”

Overabundant deer populations damage forests, harm farms, increase vehicle collisions, and contribute to the spread of tick-borne illness. While the statewide goal for deer across Massachusetts is 12–18 deer per square mile, populations in some areas far exceed those levels. On Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, densities surpass 100 deer per square mile in areas where hunting is limited.

In response, Governor Healey expanded the deer hunting season on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, with a six-week winter primitive firearms and bowhunting season from January 1 through February 14, 2026. This past deer season, Nantucket Land Bank expanded local capacity by opening a new deer processing facility in partnership with Hunters Share the Harvest, increasing opportunities to donate venison and distribute it through Nourish Nantucket for the island community.

“By working with MassWildlife and the Nantucket Land Bank, we’re able to turn a healthy, local resource into nutritious meals for our neighbors,” said Executive Director of Nourish Nantucket Meg Browers. “This kind of collaboration is exactly what Nourish Nantucket is all about, bringing partners together to strengthen the island’s food system. The new food hub at Boynton Lane will allow us to build on this work and expand the number of clients we and our partners at the Pantry can serve—in this instance using locally sourced food, which is truly a win-win.”

Donations are simple and can be made through participating processors statewide during deer hunting seasons. Click here for more information about Hunters Share the Harvest.

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