North Dakota Fish and Game – What You Can Do with Prized Catch and Game
The quest for the biggest or fiercest North Dakota fish and game is never-ending, but what should you do next when you’ve obtained what you’ve been working hard for?
Sportsmen against Hunger (SAH) Program
The SAH program is one of the programs under the NDCAP or North Dakota Community Action Partnership. The program encourages deer hunters to share or donate their game to provide additional food supplies for victims of hunger or starvation. With the various natural disasters continuing to afflict the country as well as the continuing economic crisis, more and more people are in need of aid and feeding them is one of the most direct ways of satisfying their needs.
To join the SAH Program, deer hunting groups and associations are encouraged to spearhead a venison donated program with their members.
How to Start a Venison Donation Program
Look for a USDA approved meat processor as a partner for the program.
If possible, negotiate for more affordable rates for processing for ground packaged venison. This will allow your group to make greater contributions to the program and, consequently, more people will benefit from your donation.
Choose a beneficiary.
If you know none, any local or state government office will be able to help you find an appropriate beneficiary for your donations. Just make sure, however, that your chosen charity has the necessary equipment and room for storing venison donations as well as the means for distributing it to those in need.
Additional fundraising programs and hunting excursions may be required to raise the appropriate amount for food processing and other related expenses. Continued hunting excursions are also desirable to provide a constant source of food for your chosen beneficiary.
Qualifying for a State Record for Your Catch
Experienced – or lucky – fishers who have a prized catch in their hands have the chance of qualifying for a state record as long as they adhere to all the rules below.
Legal Requirements
The catch must be of a recognized species and harvested using purely legal means for recreational fishing. If you are unaware of these rules, visit the North Dakota fish and game department for a complete list. Any catch presented for a possible state record qualification must also be harvested only in North Dakota waters that are open to public fishing.
Weighing
When having your fish weighed, a commercially used scale must be utilized. Weighing results are subject to the approval of the North Dakota Public Service Commission. Also, weights must be rounded to the closest ounce.
Other Proof
A North Dakota game and fish department employee must be contacted for visual verification of the catch. You must also submit a Whopper card application or a note containing all the pertinent information together with a recognizable photo of your catch and, if requested, a fin sample as well.
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