Affiliates
The following organizations are supported by the Virginia Deer Hunters Association. The VDHA has donated time and or money to these groups in order to further promote their projects. Through a team effort many goals have been reached and future plans have been made for new and exciting ideas.
HUNTERS FOR THE HUNGRY
VIRGINIA SPORTSMAN REWARD FUND, INC.
Since 1991 Hunters for the Hungry has been providing venison to the needy of Virginia. The program operates through generosity of Virginia's hunters who willingly share their deer with the poor.
Hunters donate their deer. Funds are raised to cover the cost of having the meat professionally processed. And, distribution is achieved through food banks, food kitchens, churches and other charities all across the Old Dominion. Hunters for the Hungry has grown annually and is currently distributing approximately 150,000 pounds of nutritious venison each year. The potential exists, due to the generosity of hunters across the commonwealth, to provide at least a quarter of a million pounds annually. The limiting factors is currently available financial support to cover processing costs.
Hunters for the Hungry is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. All financial contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
The Virginia Hunters for the Hungry program is one of the largest game distribution efforts in the nation. The concept is not only a good use of resources but also is one of the best positive promotions of Virginia's hunting tradition.
This program, supported by the VDHA since its inception, is truly a win-win situation. Every citizen, hunter and nonhunter, should be aware of this unique program.
Interested persons can call 1-800-352-4868 for additional information.
"The mission of the Virginia Sportsman Reward Fund, Inc. is to promote the enforcement of hunting, fishing and boating laws in Virginia, by supporting the Wildlife Crime Telephone Line and other methods of violations reporting, to assist game fish and boating law enforcement and resource management in support and cooperation with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries."
The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries' Wildlife Crime Line was founded on October 1, 1986. The Crime Line is associated with other state lines, except ours is specifically operated for the reporting of "Wildlife, Fish and Boating" violations in the Commonwealth. Anyone who calls the crime line may remain anonymous and is not required to testify in court. Of the information provided leads to an arrest, the caller may be eligible for a cash reward.
As of December 31, 1997 total wildlife crime tips received are 5,581, resulting in a total of 565 arrest and $13,855.00 in approved rewards for payments. Crime tips received by category are: 120 Boating violations; 371 Fishing violations and 5,061 Wildlife related violations; and 29 other non-related wildlife crimes.
The crime line is staffed seven days a week, 7:00 a.m. to Midnight, closed Christmas Day. An answering machine is set up to receive messages concerning violation. However, if the violation is in progress we ask that you call your local police department for immediate assistance after hours.
Reward payments are approved and funded through the "Virginia Sportsman Reward Fund, Inc." The Virginia Sportsman Reward Fund, Inc. is a tax exempt organization under IRS code 501 (a) and 501 (c). All contributions made to the organization are tax deductible. You can help support these efforts financially by sending your donations to :
Virginia Wildlife Crime Line
Law Enforcement
4010 W. Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23230
1-800-237-5712