Nixon Encourages Hunters to "Share the Harvest"

On Wednesday, Nixon kicked off a statewide media tour touting the program, which uses donated venison to regional food banks. This year, Nixon has encouraged hunters to strongly donate to the program.

"Missouri hunters have a proud legacy of conservation and generosity," Nixon said during at Bass Pro Shops in Columbia. "I want to challenge all Missouri deer hunters to help us reach that 10,000 milestone."

Nixon said hunting, "a time honored tradition," has a $1.1 billion impact on the state's economy, and encouraged Missourians to participate.

Nixon was expected to tout a similar message during stops in St. Charles and Independence on Wednesday, as well as during stops in southwest Missouri on Thursday.

Nixon's announcement comes in the midst of archery deer season, which runs through November 9. Firearms deer season opens for ten days on Nov. 10.