Governor’s One-Shot Hunt Contributes Thousands to the Hunters Helping the Hungry Program

            The West Virginia Hunters Helping the Hungry (HHH) Program was recently presented a check for $17,000 from the Governor’s One-Shot Whitetail Hunt and Banquet, held December 2-3, 2007, with Stonewall Resort State Park serving as the home base, according to Division of Natural Resources Director Frank Jezioro. 

            The idea for this HHH fund-raising event came from the top of West Virginia State government after W.Va. Governor Joe Manchin III and other governors participated in a One Shot Antelope event in Lander, Wyoming in early 2007. Because of the success of this hunt, he decided to bring that experience to West Virginia – where whitetail deer hunting opportunities are among the best in the East. It was thought the HHH Program, which relies solely on donations and not sportsmen’s license dollars, would be a prime candidate for a fund-raising event.

            On the opening day of the 2007 antlerless deer season, Gov. Manchin; Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal; West Virginia native Brig. Gen. Charles E. “Chuck” Yeager, USAF, retired; and DNR Director Frank Jezioro joined nine two-person teams to help raise funds for the HHH Program through an organized hunt.   During the hunt, 16 hunters bagged antlerless deer on participating private farms. Monies were raised for the HHH Program through sponsorships and an auction at the evening banquet. 

            “Proceeds from this hunt will go a long way in providing nutritious meals to the state’s less fortunate through our partnerships with the Mountaineer Food Bank, food pantries, and soup kitchens throughout West Virginia,” said Jezioro. “On behalf of the HHH Program, we are extremely grateful for the generosity shown by the Governor’s One-Shot Whitetail Hunt participants.  Without the active participation of the West Virginia business and industrial community, elected government officials, and distinguished guests, this fund-raising event would not have been such a success. The 2008 event is being planned now and looks to be even bigger and better, which will further benefit the HHH Program.”    

            The upcoming 2008 season marks the 17th consecutive year that the Division of Natural Resources has sponsored the HHH program.  Because the HHH Program is in constant need of funds to offset processing, distribution and warehousing costs, monetary donations are accepted year-round. For more information on the HHH Program or to make a donation, refer to the HHH Program Web site at: www.wvdnr.gov/Hunting/HHH.shtm  or call 304-558-2771.