A Successful Doe Derby

Recently, Angela Shannon and her agency volunteered time and effort towards the first Doe Derby of the Kalamazoo County. The Doe Derby originated as an idea by Matt Gibson, the Vice President of Kalamazoo County Farm Bureau, as a way to control the doe to buck ratios in the area. 

By the end of the hunting season, 71 deer were hunted, totaling over 2,700 pounds of burger. This meat was then divided into one-pound packages and donated to Loaves and Fishes of Kalamazoo to provide protein throughout the winter to local individuals in need. 

Matt shared that they had quite a few volunteers come to help out, including hunters and farmers like himself. He stated that “Everybody worked together as a board and volunteers to make this event happen.” He also explained that they hosted a dinner and a raffle to help raise money towards the cause. 

Angela and Matt were so grateful for all the hunters and volunteers who made this event as successful as it was. They hope that other county Farm Bureau members and agents work together to help control the dear population and feed those in our home state who are in need.