I know a surprising number of avid big game hunters who don’t have a real taste for the meat they acquire. Or they have several licenses and wind up with more than they can use. Or they simply balk at the cost of having it processed.
But I don’t know anyone who doesn’t have concern for the welfare of people in dire need, those who don’t know where their next good meal is coming from.
Gary Phillips’ aim is to get the two currents together, so Colorado’s most dynamic outdoor event serves as a catalyst for good, not just a good time. A resident of Highlands Ranch, Phillips last year launched the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the national organization Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry. It’s a well-tested formula that connects people who have extra food with those in need.
Phillips last year distributed most of the meat through the Denver Rescue Mission, which last year made 4,000 meals through the program.
“We’re hoping to again provide high-protein game meat to DRM,” said Phillips, who has expanded the program to include the Harvest House for Women.
Steve Bobitsky acts as the middleman. Bobitsky operates Rocky Mountain Meats, one of the area’s leading wild game processors, at two north metro locations. Using funds Phillips collects through corporate and individual donations, Bobitsky processes donated animals at half-price.
“There’s a lot of people out there who need meat, but can’t afford it,” Bobitsky said. “Everything costs so much these days.”
From years of experience, Bobitsky knows much about hunters and excess meat.
“We had this party of six come back from Wyoming after filling their deer and antelope tags. There’s no way they could use all that.”
Bobitsky has contracted two additional charitable outlets for donated game: Evergreen Christian Outreach and Loaves and Fishes in Idaho Springs.
Hunters can drop off their donated carcasses at either Rocky Mountain meat locations, 5650 W. 29th Ave., and 1961 W. 64th Ave.
Phillips meanwhile is continuing his drive for funding to pay for the processing and distribution. Contributions may be made through the main website, , designating CO-03 as the chapter recipient, or through Phillips at 1589 Meyerwood Circle, Highlands Ranch 80129, phone 720-219-1901.
Hides for vets
In a related charitable venture, The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will conduct its drive for deer and elk hides for its Veteran Leather Program. Hides are processed and given to the Veterans Administration for craft kits used for occupational therapy.
Hides must be scraped and salted before shipping. For information about preparation and where to donate, contact BPOE state chairman Wayne Rogers at 303-279-1325 or waynerogers51@msn.com.
Charlie Meyers: 303-954-1609 or cmeyers@denverpost.com
