October 9, 2012 • Page 21 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com Dakota Taxidermy and Wild Game Processing South Dakota Sportsmen Against Hunger Donates Meals To Those In Need The South Dakota Sportsmen Against Hunger (SAH) Board of Directors reports that hunters donated 78,735 pounds of game meat in 2011. This translates to nearly 315,000 meals of meat for needy individuals and families across the state. Although the total pounds of donated meat dropped 25 percent in 2011, donations in 2010 were record large. “A reduction of donations in 2011 was not a surprise to us because deer and antelope populations were reduced during severe winters the past few years,” noted Jeff Olson, President of SAH. “It is a double-edged sword for us. One goal of the program is to reduce the number of deer in areas where landowners are having problems, and that part is working well. What we do not like to see is the number of pounds to the needy drop, as demand and need for this meat is high.” One of the highlights from 2011 was the implementation of a new goose donation program. SAH worked with the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to allow hunters to donate Canada geese harvested in the August Management Take. The result was that over 2,000 geese were donated through 11 participating game processors in eastern South Dakota. In 2012 the goose donation program will be expanded to also include geese taken during September 1-21 of the Early Fall Canada Goose Season. Goose Processing Certificates are available from the SAH goose processors which hunters may use to pay the total processing cost of Canada geese donated during the August and September seasons. Also in 2012, the deer and antelope donation program will continue as it has in the past. Processing certificates will again be available from participating SAH processors for hunters to use in paying for most or all of the processing cost of donated antlerless deer and doe/fawn antelope. “Those who benefited from the donated meat last year would like to send a big ‘Thank You’ to all the game and cash donors for yet another great year for the program,” Olson said. “Many people contributed to the continuing success of SAH, including approximately 1,700 sportsmen who donated game animals, 50 game processors who worked with us to process the animals, and over 60 food pantries that accepted and distributed the donated meat to needy families.” To learn more about South Dakota Sportsmen Against Hunger, including participating SAH game processors, visit its website at www.feedtheneedsd.com or call 605-280-4977. •Affordable Prices •Professional Service •Quality Mounts Big Game Processing Gavins Point Dam Paddlefish Seasons Paddlefish fishing in South Dakota is as unique as the prehistoric fish that is the quarry. Paddlefish thrived in the free-flowing Missouri River. The construction of dams altered their natural habitat and caused a decline in numbers. Intense fisheries management helps ensure that the species thrives today. A limited number of licenses are available to both residents and nonresidents to either snag or use archery equipment to take one of these large fish between Gavins Point Dam and the Big Sioux River. Season Dates: Paddlefish Archery - July 14 - Aug. 12, 2012 Paddlefish Snagging - Oct.1 - Oct. 31, 2012 Lewon’s Taxidermy Studio Nebraska’s Largest Taxidermy Studio We have won over 100 World, National & State Awards. 2 Full-time Taxidermists: 52 years combined experience Check us out at www.lewons.com. We are buying large deer capes. Call for information • 402-337-0077 108 W. Kemp St. • Randolph, NE •Deer•Elk•Antelope We do one deer at a time to ensure you get your own deer back. Includes all game bonedout, cut and wrapped and frozen to your order. “Where the Buck Stops and the Hunter Shops! Dakota Archery & Outdoor Sports 2305 E. Hwy. 50, Yankton, SD • 665-8340 Open Every Night Till 9 p.m. Like Us On Facebook!