January 18, 2020 – Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester County Farm Bureaus teamed up to hold their second annual Doe Harvest Challenge, January 10-12. More than 300 deer were harvested, and 30 were donated to the Maryland Food Bank through the Challenge.

The Doe Harvest Challenge was established to address the growing issue of wildlife crop damage through responsible deer management. The lower shore was identified as a targeted area of severe wildlife crop damage.

“We had a very successful year last year with the Doe Harvest Challenge, which is why we decided to continue it this year,” said Lee Richardson, Wicomico County Farm Bureau board member. “We continue to see our field crops ravaged by wildlife. This Challenge is a great way to help responsibly manage the deer population.”

For each doe or antlerless whitetail or sika deer harvested in one of the three lower shore counties, hunters were entered into a prize drawing. Ten hunters were selected from the drawing to win $1,000 each.

Participating check-in locations included Longhorn Butcher Shop and Off the Neck Game & Butcher Shop in Wicomico County, Non Typical Outdoor Supply in Worcester County, and Wink’s Sporting Goods in Somerset County.

Participants in the Challenge who donated their antlerless deer to the Maryland Food Bank had their processing fee paid for by the Challenge.

Financial support for the Challenge was provided by Farm Credit, the Maryland Food Bank, the Maryland Grain Producers Association, Somerset County Farm Bureau, Wicomico County Farm Bureau, Worcester County Farm Bureau, and Wright Brothers Butcher Shop.