TIPS FOR FLY FISHING IN DIRTY AND MUDDY WATERS

In a perfect world, every day would have ideal conditions for fishing. But when the water is fast moving, dirty or muddy, it can be a challenge for even the most experienced fly fishermen.

Still, that’s one of the beautiful things about fly fishing – every day is unique and presents different challenges, so how can you tackle dirty or muddy water head-on and still have a successful day on the water?

Wild Water Fly Fishing is here to break down the proven tips for fly fishing in dirty and muddy water, so you’re always prepared and ready for the challenge! We’ll also cover the difference between dirty and muddy water, the best techniques, and what supplies and fishing gear will optimize your day when water conditions aren’t ideal.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DIRTY VS. MUDDY WATER

Believe it or not: there is a difference between dirty and muddy water, and each condition presents challenges.

Imagine you have a 12-inch ruler that you insert vertically into shallow water. (You can also do this the next time you’re fly fishing and aren’t sure if the water is dirty or muddy.)

Let’s say you can only see the ruler for half its length; the water is substantially cloudy. Even if most of the screed can be seen, the water is still dirty. That being said, any time large amounts of debris and sediment push downstream, causing dirty or even muddy water, it can change the way you fly fish if you want to experience quality catches.

HOW DIRTY AND MUDDY WATER AFFECTS FLY FISHING

If the visibility of the water is low, it is likely that the water level is also high and moving quickly. These conditions create what is known as high water or flooding rivers or streams.

Under these conditions, fish have a difficult time deciphering what is food and what is a threat, so they are likely to stray towards the edges of a stream, along the banks or side channels, where the water is softer. than average currents. The fish also stick close to the bottom, where the water is slower, which helps them not to work as hard to hold their position in the face of such torrential currents.

In high, muddy water, you can also target fish in river eddies or sections of the river that move upstream and eddy in a reverse current.

TIPS FOR FLY FISHING IN DIRTY AND MUDDY WATERS

Don’t let dirty or muddy water stop you from enjoying what you love. When you’re faced with dirty or muddy water, you have to change your technique, and by following these tips for fly fishing in adverse conditions, you can still have quality outings.

CHOOSE A HEAVY POINT AND A LEADER

When fly fishing in dirty or high muddy water, having extra weight on the line can help you target fish lurking on the bottom of river banks and side channels by keeping flies creeping in your lane. Add extra weight to your leader and choose a heavier tippet. Under these conditions, the fish are not so shy.

Tippets and leaders come in a variety of diameters. When visibility is low and water levels are high, use a tippet and leader of at least 3X or higher. You can add a split rise a couple of inches above your fly to go down faster. By increasing the strength of your tippet and leader, you’ll have an easier time catching fish in fast-moving, dirty water. But keep in mind that the heavier the leader, the slower it will sink to the bottom, so be patient.

When faced with these harsh conditions, it is essential to use a heavier rod. The Wild Water Deluxe 5/6 fly fishing kit with a heavier tippet or leader described above should suffice.

Larger, bulkier flies are almost always more effective at attracting fish in low visibility conditions. The faster the water, the heavier the fly needs to be to help produce the most vibration through murky currents. But there’s more you need to customize your lure on a day when conditions are dirty or muddy. We’ll explore that next.

STRATEGIZE YOUR FLY

The dirtier the water, the flashier you want your flies to be. Stay away from natural brown or green tones, as they can resemble the color of dirty or muddy water. Black and red are the best colors because they accentuate the silhouette of the fly, making it more noticeable to fish.

Streamers and nymphs can also be helpful. Nymphs or streamers that have vibrant patterns and colors should be enough to grab the fish’s attention.

A streamer can be more effective if you are going to fish at a greater distance. Because visibility is a bit better in dirty water than in muddy water, you don’t necessarily need to use the flashier streamers or nymphs. As long as you avoid fast currents in the middle of the river or stream and stay closer to side channels, a patterned or colored lure should suffice.

Noisy flies can also attract fish in high, murky water. Tying some clicking or rattling brass beads, or mylar tubing, to your line can add noise to your flies.

THROW HALF YOUR NORMAL DISTANCE

When visibility is low, you should throw half the distance you normally would. Make shorter drifts and cast just a few more inches out. Because the fish will be closer to the shore, there is less need to wade. Fish can only see a few inches in front of them in muddy conditions.

With streamers, you’ll want to move a bit faster than with nymphs. You will want to give the fish more time to spot your fly when visibility is low or when the fish seek refuge at the bottom of a river bank.

DON’T LET DIRTY OR MUDDY WATER STOP YOU FROM FLY FISHING

As a fly fisherman, you will encounter dirty and muddy water at some point, but you shouldn’t let that put you off. By following these tips for fly fishing in these challenging conditions, you can still have a successful and memorable day on the water.

For more information on wild water fly fishing and its products, please contact Dena Vick, [email protected].

About Wild Water Fly Fishing

Wild Water Fly Fishing represents a dedication to bringing friends and family together by providing them with everything they will need to prepare for a trip to the lake. Whether you are a parent or grandparent wanting to nurture a child’s interest in fly fishing, Wild Water offers the best tools to make your fly fishing trip an unforgettable experience. Wild Water Fly Fishing is the only company that focuses exclusively on affordable and easy to use fly fishing starter packs for all species of fish.

Viridian® Continues to Take Over the 2023 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits

Viridian Weapon Technologies will exhibit a variety of highly advanced weapon-mounted accessories at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, April 14-16 in Indianapolis. Viridian will showcase an exciting array of new products, including the fully rechargeable C Series® line, each including a SURECarry power bank, RFX green dot reflex line of sight additions, and custom kydex sheaths. Viridian will also offer exclusive discounts for show attendees.

The NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits is a world-class consumer fair featuring more than 14 acres of exhibits, world-class events, educational seminars, workshops and industry leaders. Viridian will be exhibiting at booth #4421 selling and displaying the most innovative products on the market.

“We are thrilled to connect with longtime partners, Viridian fans, and new enthusiasts at NRAAM 2023 for the opportunity to highlight the all-new C-Series lineup, RFX lineup, and more,” said Brian Hedeen, president and CEO. Viridian executive. “Following some exciting and innovative launches in early 2023, Viridian is ready to put these accessories in the hands of the media and consumers to showcase maximum performance and reliability.”

Loyal Series C fans can now take charge with Viridian’s new patent pending SURECarry, portable power technology that, when combined with the proven and popular C-Series, ensures you’re always ready. The reinvented C-Series lights and lasers feature Viridian’s unmatched INSTANT-ON technology, more power output, a new holster retention feature for never-before-seen compatibility, and feature universal rail mounts.

Viridian knows that the eyes see green better. Representing a long line of purpose-built, high-quality, highly visible sights, the iconic RFX series of green dot reflex sights will be featured prominently at this year’s NRAAM. New additions include the RFX11 green dot designed for micro handguns and the RFX45 fully enclosed emitter green dot that fits full size firearms and long guns.

Viridian Holster Works custom kydex holsters are tested under the harshest conditions to ensure your holster will keep your EDC system safe and secure when you need it most.

To learn more about these new products and learn more about Viridian’s top firearms innovations, visit ViridianWeaponTech.com.

About Viridian Weapon Technologies

Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Viridian Weapon Technologies is dedicated to applying cutting-edge technology to design compact and powerful self-defense products for the civilian, military, and law enforcement markets. Viridian is the leader in weapon-mounted technology and responsible for a number of innovations in firearm accuracy, transparency, and ease-of-use, including green and red laser sights, weapon-mounted LED illuminators, weapon chambers, and various weapon accessories. shot. Viridian products are designed and manufactured in the USA. More information is available at ViridianWeaponTech.com.

20 critical water-related conservation projects boosted by new funding

EDGEFIELD, SC — The NWTF’s Waterways for Wildlife initiative kicks off another year of vital restoration work in and around waterways by funding 20 conservation projects in nine of the initiative’s 10 focus states by 2023. The NWTF is contributing $225,000 to these critical projects, which will leverage with partners to more than $5.3 million this year alone.

“We are beyond excited to keep the momentum going after a productive first year of Waterways for Wildlife projects,” said Jared McJunkin, NWTF Director of Conservation Operations for the Midwest. “Our average match rate for projects in 2023 was more than 14:1, underscoring our partners’ investment in this critical work. Through our collaboration, we are on track to improve thousands of acres of wildlife habitat in the riparian ecosystems of America’s Great Plains. Time to roll up your sleeves and get to work!”

Waterways for Wildlife addresses urgent conservation needs in riparian ecosystems, or areas situated along creeks, streams, and rivers, which are magnets for wild turkeys and many other wildlife. By closing the gap between the quantity of water and the quality of available water, these essential ecosystems store water and recharge aquifers; similarly, the plants, soils, and wetlands associated with them serve to filter pesticides, herbicides, and sediments before they travel to downstream water supplies. In short, they are essential for a healthy ecosystem.

However, many of these riparian habitats are in poor condition due to various causes, such as increased water demand, floodplain disruption, and land-use changes that have altered their natural cycle and have affected the health of these essential communities. Through the Waterways for Wildlife Initiative, the NWTF is committed to reversing these trends and implementing work to improve the riparian health of wild turkeys and the many other terrestrial and aquatic species that depend on these ecosystems.

The initiative began in 2022 and significant progress has been made through 14 slated-for projects, impacting 7,677 acres of wildlife habitat and nearly 80 miles of streams.

Over the next nine years, the NWTF seeks to raise $10 million in private funds and leverage $40 million in matching partner funds to enhance 75,000 acres of wildlife habitat along 1,500 linear miles of waterways in the Greater Las Vegas landscape. plains.

Partners for the 20 projects in 2023 include the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Ducks Unlimited, Montana Natural Resource Damage Program, Montana Department of Environmental Quality, Montana Fisheries, Wildlife and Parks, Pheasants/Quail Forever, Trout Unlimited, Western Native Trout Initiative, USDA Forest Service, NorthWestern Energy, Upper Missouri Breaks Audubon, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Hunting, Fish and Parks of South Dakota, Black Hills Fly Fishers, Friends of the Big Sioux River, US Bureau of Land Management, Wyoming Department of Fish and Game, Wyoming Governors Big Game License Coalition, Popo Conservation District Aggie, Fremont County Weed and Pest, Fremont County Fire Prevention, and private property owners.

As work begins, the NWTF will highlight the 20 new projects on NWTF.org in the coming months.

For more information on applying for funds through the NWTF’s Waterways for Wildlife Initiative, contact McJunkin at [email protected]. To find out how you can directly support this exciting new initiative.

About the National Wild Turkey Federation

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested more than half a billion dollars in wildlife conservation and has conserved or improved more than 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to advance wildlife conservation, forest resiliency, and strong recreational opportunities across the US by working beyond borders at the landscape scale.

2023 is the 50th of the NWTFhe anniversary and an opportunity to push the organization’s mission into the future while honoring its rich history. for his 50he anniversary, the NWTF has set six ambitious goals: positively impact 1 million acres of wildlife habitat; raise $500,000 for wild turkey research; increase membership to 250,000 members; dedicate $1 million to education and outreach programs; raise $5 million to invest in technology and the people of NWTF; and raise $5 million to build a $50 million endowment for the future. Find out how you can help us achieve these lofty goals.

Dan Wesson’s 2023 Heirloom Pistol – Experience Its Timeless Quality

The 2023 Dan Wesson Heirloom 1911 graces its polished black frame and slide. The ivory colored grips contrast beautifully with the dark finish. Small details like a brass front bead, commander-style hammer, and solid mid-length trigger add to the elegance of the classic design. As the first Heirloom pistol offered in .38 Super, the 2023 model will be one of a kind, adding value and interest to any select collection.

Dan Wesson makes his Heirloom pistols in small batches, producing hundreds, not thousands, of the classic 1911. The timeless styling and proven design of the pistol make the 1911 Traditional pistol something every gun enthusiast will love.

Although there are many manufacturers from the 1911s, only a few combine custom level tuning, premium parts, and clean, sleek lines like Dan Wesson. The 2023 Heirloom starts with a 70-series frame and slide, forged and then hand-tuned for flawless function and exceptional precision. The billet alloy steel used in the fire control system ensures reliable operation and long service life.

While it claims to be a masterpiece, it will turn heads and take down targets. Dan Wesson houses his match grade barrels in the popular .38 Super. The Heirloom features a beveled magazine for faster reloads, a carry bezel for easier holstering, and a cut-out trigger guard for better recoil control. Its 3.5-5-pound factory trigger also offers a crisp, consistent trigger pull for accurate shooting.

The Dan Wesson estate is a unique piece. It is made with premium parts and is eminently shootable, everything a 1911 should be. This limited production won’t last long!

Dan Wesson Legacy Features:

  • Manually adjustable 70 series frame and slide
  • Forged Slides and Barrels
  • Hand adjusted match barrels
  • Billet Alloy Steel Fire Control System
  • Zero parts MIM
  • Recessed and flared ejection port
  • well beveled magazine
  • wear bevel treatment
  • Cutaway trigger guards
  • hand polished floors
  • Factory trigger crisp 3.5-5 lb.
  • Frame engraved with ‘Heirloom’
  • Black DLC high polish finish
  • G10 ivory grips
  • Commander’s Hammer
  • Solid mid-length trigger
  • Brass front sight; U-notch rear sight

Dan Wesson Legacy Specs:

  • SKU: 01938
  • Caliber: 38 super
  • Magazine capacity: 9 rounds
  • Frame material: forged steel
  • Slide finish: Highly polished black DLC
  • cuffs: G10
  • Total length: 8.75in
  • Barrel Length: 5 inches
  • Height: 5.5 inches
  • Broad: 1.45 inches
  • Weight: 40 ounces
  • Trigger mechanism: single action
  • Front view: brass bead
  • Back view: U notch
  • Security: Manual thumb safety and grip safety
  • MSRP: $2,399

Each Dan Wesson Firearms revolver is named after Daniel B. Wesson, who founded the Wesson Firearms Co., Inc. in 1968. His goal was to build the finest revolvers the shooting world has ever seen. As a result of his hard work and dedication, his firearms are known for their innovation, indestructibility, and match-grade accuracy.

Continuing in his footsteps, Dan Wesson Firearms joined the world’s largest firearms producer, CZ, in 2005. The Dan Wesson legacy continues with exciting new products and innovations from the great people at CZ and Dan Wesson Firearms.

For more information please visit
WWW.DANWESSONFIREARMS.COM

P2P on display at the NRA annual meetings

Prepared 2 Protect® products will be on display at booth 3242 at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits. Held April 14-16 in Indianapolis, it is the largest annual gathering of NRA members.

P2P products fire incapacitating and less lethal pepper rounds. They are a great alternative for places where firearms are prohibited or for people who choose not to use a firearm in certain situations.

“Our less lethal line of self defense and home defense products gives people the confidence and power to protect what matters most,” said Justin Biddle, vice president of marketing. “Whether you’re walking, jogging, shopping, or doing any other day-to-day activity, P2P helps protect yourself, your family, or your possessions by stopping the threat and getting you to a safe place.”

The HDP 50 is a full-size pistol that holds six .50 caliber pepper rounds. Launched by a CO2 cartridge, the HDP 50 can be stored with the cartridge sealed. A snap from the Quick Pierce system quickly loads the pistol when needed. The HDP 50 Compact is a smaller, concealed option that holds four rounds.

In addition to pepper rounds, P2P pistols can fire either inert chalk practice rounds or rubber rounds so users can become familiar and confident in their use so they are prepared to protect.

For more information, visit Prepared2Protect.com.

About UMAREX USA

Umarex USA, Incorporated is one of the fastest growing outdoor sports and recreation family businesses in North America. Umarex USA innovates, develops and markets products under brands owned or licensed by its parent company, UMAREX GmbH & Co. KG. Such brands include Axeon® Optics, Beretta®, Browning®, Colt®, Elite Force Airsoft, GLOCK®, Heckler & Koch®, Hornady®, IWI®, Prepared 2 Protect®, REKT®, Ruger®, RWS®, Smith & Wesson®, T4E®, UMAREX®, Walther® and others. For additional information on Umarex USA, please visit UmarexUSA.info.

XS hopes to attend the 2023 NRA annual meetings and exhibitions

XS® Makers of the fastest sights under any light and the tools to install them, Sights will be showcasing its newest products for self-defense and hunting at the 2023 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Indianapolis, Indiana, April 14-16. Attendees are encouraged to stop by the XS Sights Booth (#4621) to meet the team and try out the XS Laser Shooting Simulator to experience the increased speed and accuracy of shooting with the DXT2 Big Dot and R3D night sights. Designed for self-defense, XS’s proprietary Glow Dot technology surrounding the tritium vial in these front sights provides dual illumination and unsurpassed front sight visibility in all light conditions.

New standard dot sights, with green or orange front sight, will be on display for the Taurus 856 revolver and new R3D (green or orange) sights for the Kimber K6 along with many other night sights designed for self defense. XS will also be showcasing its new inline rear sight pusher tools for Glock pistols, a DIY version and a Gunsmith model, plus new lever rail and ghost ring sights for Henry Big Boy carbines.

“We are excited to meet with members of the NRA, show them our newest products, and if they are looking to upgrade their factory scopes, help them find the style of scope that best suits their eyes,” said Addison Monroe, manager of XS marketing. Monuments. “Our products are designed to enhance the shooting experience for firearms owners by offering improved visibility, speed and accuracy.”

For more information, visit www.xssights.com.

All XS scopes are backed by a 10-year no-questions-asked warranty and XS’s 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

About XS views

XS Sights are known for making the fastest sights in any light. For over 25 years, the XS team has created some of the most innovative sights on the market today for handguns, rifles, and shotguns. Whether used for self defense or hunting, these scopes are designed and built to be the absolute best for their specific purpose. Made in the USA. Proud of Texas. 2A Strong.

Commission will consider recommendations for big game

The Nebraska Park and Game Commission will consider staff recommendations for the 2023 deer, antelope and elk hunting seasons when it meets April 19 in Fremont.

The meeting will begin at 8 am at the Holiday Inn Express, 2415 N. Lincoln Ave.

A public hearing is scheduled for proposed amendments to the Commission’s orders related to season dates, bag limits, quantities allowed, and open areas for hunting deer, antelope, and elk. The changes will help the agency manage big game populations to socially acceptable levels.

The staff will recommend:

  • remove 40 general permits for both sexes and 155 general permits for doe/fawn antelope,
  • including archery season on all mule deer conservation area permits, making them valid for all open seasons,
  • prohibit the taking of antlerless mule deer statewide on all lands open to public hunting, except lands in the Open Range and Water Program,
  • Reduce permit quota for either-sex deer and non-resident buck to 10,000, excluding landowner and youth permits,
  • reduce the non-resident bow deer permit fee to 3,000 and make it invalid for mule deer on MDCA,
  • reduce the nonresident muzzleloader permit quota to 1,000,
  • create a new Plains Whitetail Firearm Deer Permit,
  • reduce November available firearm permits by 5.2% and antlerless-only seasonal choice permits by 7.4%,
  • restructuring Of Moose Management Units,
  • adding 36 buck moose permits and 214 antlerless moose permits,
  • minor adjustments to other deer, elk and antelope permits to meet management objectives.

The commissioners will also consider passing a Board Resolution to apply for Transportation Alternatives Program grant funds through the Nebraska Department of Transportation to pave 24.6 miles of the Cowboy Trail from Rushville west to milepost 400.

In other matters, the commissioners will consider:

  • NDOT permanent and temporary easement applications for work on Nebraska Highway 7 in Ainsworth and the temporary Cowboy Trail bypass there, and
  • a staff recommendation to designate Phillips Canyon and Midway Lake, both located near Johnson Lake State Recreation Area in Dawson County, as state recreation areas. Both are located on the Supply Canal and are operated by the Central Public Power and Irrigation District.

There will also be a review of the 2022-2023 river otter season and an overview of the Northeast Region by regional staff.

For a complete schedule, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov and search for Public Notices.

Remington Announces New Core-Lokt Copper

remington ammunition is proud to announce that The Deadliest Mushroom in the WoodsTM It is now available in a lead-free, Core-Lokt Copper bullet.

“Generations of hunters have depended on Core-Lokt since 1939,” said Michael Holm, Remington Rifle product manager. “Now whitetail fans, Remington fans and big game hunters can experience the exceptional accuracy and Deadly Mushroom performance of Remington’s Core-Lokt ammunition in a high-strength copper bullet.”

With reliable expansion, proven near 100% weight retention, and absolute accuracy, Core-Lokt Copper combines the performance you expect from Core-Lokt, now guaranteed with a lead-free bullet. Rigid, high-strength pure copper construction ensures Core-Lokt Copper’s monumental bullet will dispatch big game and live up to the legacy of the deadliest mushroom.

Core-Lokt Copper is the latest addition to the Core-Lokt ammunition family. Remington’s classic Core-Lokt, as well as the new, award-winning Core-Lokt Tipped, are still proudly made in the USA every day.

Core-Lokt Copper is available in six cartridges with line extensions coming soon.

Copper Core-Lokt Features:

  • MONUMENTALLY PRECISE BULLET: copper projectile made of high-strength copper
  • CORE-LOKT PERFORMANCE: Precision hollow point for consistent in-game expansion and lethal performance, across a wide range of speeds
  • TRUSTED QUALITY COMPONENTS: Reliable brass, propellants and precise loading techniques for consistency shot after shot
  • LEAD FREE PRIMER – Lead free primer provides consistent ignition for maximum performance

SKU / Description / MSRP

R27857 / 30-AAC OFF, 120GR / $40.99

R27853 / 06-30 SPRG, 150GR / $48.99

R27856 / 243 CATTLE, 85GR / $48.99

R27854 / 308 CATTLE, 150GR / $51.99

R27855 / 270 WON, 130GR / $51.99

R27858 / 300 WIN CHARGER, 180GR / $60.99

Find Remington ammunition at dealers across the country and online. For more information on Remington ammunition and accessories, visit www.remington.com.

Stoeger Industries to Exhibit at NRA 2023

Stoeger Industries, manufacturer of high-performance shotguns, self-defense pistols, and air pistols, announces today that it will participate in the 2023 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits at Booth #3755, April 14-16, 2023, at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Attendees and members of the NRA are encouraged to visit the Stoeger booth and learn more about the growing family of STR-9 semi-automatic pistols. The Stoeger line of pistols are designed for comfortable shooting and reliable EDC performance and are affordably priced. Guests can discover which model suits their transport needs, from the full-size STR-9F with its impressive 17+1 capacity to the new STR-9MC Micro-Compact.

Visitors can also experience the meat and potatoes of Stoeger’s line of shotguns, the M3000 and P3000 series that provide hunters, from pigeon to duck to deer and everything in between, with a reliable and economical shotgun that will always perform and endure. the most difficult conditions.

For 2023, the M3500 lineup gets an upgraded design. Of course, those who trust the Stoeger name can still rely on a tough shotgun that will perform regardless of the weather or environment, but now that shotgun has been scaled down for improved handling. This leads to consistent framing and improves downrange accuracy.

For more information about Stoeger Industries, visit NRA Show Booth #3755 or visit StoegerIndustries.com.

About Stoeger Industries

Established in 1924, Stoeger Industries is headquartered in Accokeek, Maryland, and manufactures a full line of semi-automatic, pump, side-by-side, and over-and-under shotguns for hunting, sporting clays, and self-defense, along with a full line of airguns. . In 2019, Stoeger entered the pistol market by launching the STR-9 series of semi-automatic pistols. The company uses innovative technology and proven engineering and manufacturing techniques to deliver high-quality, reliable products to consumers at industry-leading value for money. Stoeger Industries stands behind its products with a 5-year warranty.

25-year record for Hunters for the Hungry

The Tennessee Wildlife Federation, one of the oldest and largest nonprofit organizations dedicated to conserving the state’s wildlife and natural resources, is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its Hunters for the Hungry program. This year also marks the most successful to date.

Established in 1998, Hunters for the Hungry is a unique and creative way to provide much-needed, healthy protein to food-insecure Tennesseans while helping landowners manage local deer herds and providing hunters more opportunities to hunt beyond filling their freezers. Hunters for the Hungry partners with certified wild game processors throughout the state to process donated deer at a discounted rate, which the Tennessee Wildlife Federation covers from donations, allowing hunters to donate their harvest free of charge. Hunters for the Hungry then makes the processed venison available to local food banks and soup kitchens at no cost.

“Looking back on the program’s 25-year history, our hunters and processors have risen to the challenge each year to support their fellow Tennessees,” said Matt Simcox, Hunters for the Hungry program manager. “The 2022-2023 season was no different, except more people are engaged in our mission and committed to giving back.”

This deer season marked a milestone for the program with historic numbers of generous hunters donating an all-time record 3,116 deer. In the past two years, the program has hired 27 new processors, bringing the total number to 73 processors in all of Tennessee. These processor workers processed a record 141,011 pounds of venison, equaling 592,044 servings of venison (another record) to be distributed to Tennessee hunger organizations.

All of these statistics contribute to the greater impact that Hunters for the Hungry has had over the past quarter century. Since its inception, the program has donated venison to various hunger relief organizations, women’s shelters, senior centers, rehabilitation clinics, homeless shelters, children’s homes, churches, and victims of natural disasters.

25 years by the numbers:

Total number of deer donated: 44,440
Total Pounds of Venison Donated: 2,328,756
Total number of venison servings: 9,315,024

“We have seen a steady increase in giving which is promising, but there is always room for growth,” Simcox said. “The state of Tennessee had a total harvest of over 160,000 deer for the 2022-2023 season and only about 2% of those were donated to Hunters for the Hungry. We’re excited to do it again next year and improve that percentage.”

Hunters for the Hungry continues to be a platform for generous hunters and processors to give back to Tennessee communities. The program also relies on monetary donations to operate. To donate, visit tnwf.org/hungry and for more information on Hunters for the Hungry, visit tnwf.org/HFTH.

About the Tennessee Wildlife FederationThe Tennessee Wildlife Federation leads the conservation, wise management and wise use of Tennessee’s great outdoors. Since 1946, the Federation has spearheaded the development of the state’s wildlife policy, promoted landmark air and water quality legislation and other conservation initiatives, helped restore numerous species, and introduced thousands of children to the outdoors. For more information, visit tnwf.org.