Outdoors with Larry DiDonato

Hunters Helping the Hungry

Each year, hunters donate millions of pounds of venison to those in need across the country. According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, “For food banks nationwide, acquiring protein is a challenge because of the high cost of meat. Fortunately, during hunting season, hunters help make up the shortfall with generous donations of protein-rich, low-fat venison that provide 11 million meals annually to the less fortunate.” Greene County is no exception. Speaking with Bill and Dana of Berkshire View Custom Butcher Shop at 838 Alcove Road in Coeymans Hollow, they report processing about 25 deer that have been generously donated by area hunters so far this season. That’s where the work begins for those at Berkshire View. They butcher and wrap the donated deer which takes their time and resources. As Dana explained, “There are programs that reimburse cutters for their expenses but they are very happy to do it whether they get paid or not.” Last year, they were not reimbursed but still provided plenty of donated venison to food pantries in Coxsackie, Athens, Coeymans Hollow, and now Greenville. They not only cut and supplied venison to the pantries in Greene County, they also separately donated boxes of beef, pork and other items for distribution to area families, many of whom are struggling in these difficult inflationary times. Complicating the issue is the increased need and number of families in Greene County having difficulty putting protein on the table. Dana said the number of families in need of donated boxes of meat including venison doubled from that of last year. Add to that, the recent tragic loss of a fixture in deer processing in Greene County. I sadly speak of the loss of Rich Dedie of Rich’s Custom Meats in Greenville. Richard E. Dedie, 72, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, November 29, 2023. He owned and operated Rich’s Custom Meat Shop from 1989 until his untimely death. His obituary in Porcupine Soup News read, “…he was a man of strong faith… a kind man with a big heart, helping people in any way that he could.” Services for Richard Dedie will be on Thursday, December 7, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at Asbury United Methodist Church at Norton Hill, 5830 State Route 81, Greenville. A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 am, followed by a reception in the Carney Center of the church. My condolences go out to Helene Dedie and her family during this difficult time.

One of the ways Rich Dedie helped people was by being a strong, longtime participant in the venison donation program. Rich’s widow, Helene, said Rich was a big supporter and very active in the venison donation program. They were very busy at the start of deer and bear season this year with over 100 deer processed at its onset. Some of those deer were cut for the venison donation program. She asked me to announce Rich’s Custom Meats is temporarily closing, and while not accepting any more deer, they are finishing processing those already in their coolers. Customers are asked to pick up deer that are ready. They can also call 518-764-4542 for further information.

Those who have a deer to donate or just need to have one processed, are asked to bring them to other area cutters. You can bring your deer without an appointment to Berkshire View Custom Butcher Shop at 838 Alcove Road in Coeymans Hollow from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Berkshire View can also be reached at 518-731-1316 for cutting options and further information.

So, even though the Southern Zone regular deer season closes this Sunday December 10th, its not too late to donate a deer to those in need. The late bow/muzzleloading season (December 11th to the 19th) offers another opportunity to bag a doe or buck for someone else’s freezer if you’re so inclined. The last chance to help out those in need is during the Holiday Hunt from December 26th to January 1st. A fitting tribute to Rich Dedie would be to donate a deer in his honor to continue his legacy of charity and service to the community.

Good luck, happy hunting, and have a safe and productive deer season!