Field to Fork Program Teaches Adults to Source their Own Protein
Luke Cuenco 02.02.22
The National Deer Association has come out with their new Field to Fork program which aims to help adults to learn to hunt and process their own game meat. The Field to Fork program will take those who are curious about hunting, processing their own game, and place them in an environment where they can not only learn these skills, but learn the importance of being able to provide themselves with sustainable, environmentally responsible, and quality protein. The Field to Fork Program was put together in a partnership with Meat Your Maker (MEAT!) which is a company that specializes in wild game preparation, processing, and preservation.
Field to Fork Program Teaches Adults to Source their Own Protein
The National Deer Association’s (NDA) Field to Fork is a food-focused hunter recruitment program for adults from non-hunting backgrounds piloted in Athens, Georgia in 2016 by NDA Director of Hunting Hank Forester and Charles S. Evans, the Georgia R3 Coordinator with the Georgia Wildlife Federation. Hinging on a unique approach involving recruitment at a local farmer’s market, visitors were asked if they wanted to sample from a spread of venison sausage, grilled backstrap or venison jerky, and they were provided with a handout titled “Why Should You Hunt Deer?” They were then offered the chance to participate in a season-long mentored hunting program that would teach them how to hunt and acquire a wild, healthy, local, sustainable source of food on their own.
If you or someone you know might be interested in participating or hosting their own Field to Fork program, you can contact Hank Forester who will provide you with the pertinent information. For many, hunting isn’t just a recreational pastime. For some, the art and tradition of hunting is what brings high-quality protein to the table, and through the act of responsibly hunting and processing your own meat, you’re helping to contribute to American conservancy efforts.
