The Illinois hunting season is underway with the beginning of the archer deer season on Oct. 1.

The University of Illinois Extension is hoping hunters will consider donating one of their catches this fall as part of the 'Deer Donation Program'. Caitlin Mellendorf is a Nutrition Educator at Extension and says this is a great program that helps local food banks - mostly in southern Illinois.

Mellendorf reminds a few things to keep in mind with the program. One of the big ones is the entire deer needs to be donated, not just parts of it. It is a program that is completely free for the hunters and they reimburse the lockers that participate. 

Whether you are donating food, she encourages to keep those donations to non-perishables and try to think of healthy contributions you can make so those taking advantage of the food banks get good, nutritious food as well. 

Learn more about the deer donation program by visiting extension.illinois.edu/food/illinois-deer-donation-program.