CLARK COUNTY, Mo. – Gov. Jay Nixon harvested an 8-point buck while deer hunting in Clark County on the opening weekend of firearms deer season. The Governor donated the venison to Missouri’s Share the Harvest program, a public-private partnership that provides meat to families in need.

Gov. Nixon took the buck to Kahoka Meat Processing in Kahoka, Mo. where the venison will be packaged for distribution to a local food bank, shelter or feeding center.

Last year, 3,967 hunters donated 213,443 pounds of venison through Share the Harvest. Since 2009, more than 1,588,000 pounds of venison have been donated.

“Each year, thousands of Missourians donate to Share the Harvest, giving back to their communities and taking part in a great Missouri tradition,” Gov. Nixon said. “I’m proud to join these Missourians as we Share the Harvest and help our neighbors in need.”

Share the Harvest is a partnership between the Conservation Federation, the Missouri Department of Conservation, regional food banks, local food pantries, and meat processors.