BY MATT LINDSEYNorth Country This Week

CANTON — If you happen to hit and kill a deer this year with your vehicle, you can now donate the meat to elderly in the community.

The St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office announced the launch of a new Venison Donation Program aimed at supporting older citizens locally. 

“This program will take any legally harvested and tagged deer (as well)," said St. Lawrence County Sheriff Rick Engle. So if a hunter wishes to donate their harvest, they can. 

Car-deer accidents account for a large percentage of the accidents in the area, and the sheriff’s office investigates many of them.

Here's how it works when a motorist strikes a deer: When a vehicle strikes a deer, the driver is offered the opportunity to take possession of the animal. If the driver doesn't want it and the deer is salvageable, deputies step in. 

“When a vehicle is involved in a car-deer accident, and the owner or operator would like a carcass tag to take possession of said animal, law enforcement will issue a tag and document same in the complaint,” the sheriff said.

Unfortunately, in many cases, the meat from these accidents goes to waste. But with this new program, the sheriff’s office is working to change that.

Officers will ensure the deer is taken to a processing facility. The venison will then be donated to benefit the elderly in our community, providing them with quality, nutritious meals.

“We are working together with the Office of the Aging,” Engle said. “They already have a consumer list and a way to distribute the product.  We will be working this program like we did the produce from the garden.”

Motorists should not attempt to put the deer out of its misery yourself, as it is unsafe and illegal. Call law enforcement to come to the scene. 

The owner of a vehicle damaged by collision with a deer is allowed to keep the carcass for consumption or give it to a third party. For that to happen, the accident must be reported to a police agency and a "carcass tag" must be obtained to transport it home or to a butcher.

“We’re excited to help reduce waste and give back to those in need. Together, we can turn a difficult situation into something positive for our neighbors,” Engle said.

Sheriff Engle was made aware of the program during a meeting with the Fulton County sheriff.

“I personally did not have the time to get it started, but one of our corrections sergeants stepped in and took control,” the sheriff said.

Anyone with questions can call deputies at 315-379-2222.