Stone County Hunter’s Harvest returns for second year

From the woods of Stone County to the tables of local families, Hunter’s Harvest is returning for a second year.

The Stone County Sheriff’s Office is once again partnering with Christian Action Ministries and Matthew’s Deer Processing to give area hunters an opportunity to donate harvested deer and help provide venison to local families.

Stone County Hunter’s Harvest continues through Jan. 15. Donated deer can be taken to Matthew’s Deer Processing, 67 Steven Lane in Reeds Spring. (Photo by Joelene Powell)

Missouri’s 2026 archery deer season runs Sept. 15-Nov. 13 and resumes Nov. 25-Jan. 15, 2027. The firearms November portion will be held Nov. 14-24.

Last year, over 1,000 pounds of deer meat was distributed through Christian Action Ministries, Northern Stone County Food Pantry and Southern Stone County Food Pantry.

Hunters wishing to participate this season can take donated deer to Matthew’s Deer Processing, 67 Steven Lane in Reeds Spring, where the deer will be professionally processed and packaged at no cost to the hunter. All venison donated through Hunter’s Harvest will go to families across Stone County through Stone County food pantries.

Community members can support the program by helping cover processing costs. A $50 donation covers the processing of half a deer, $100 covers one deer and provides thirty pounds of venison, $200 covers two deer and $500 covers five deer.

Stone County Sheriff Doug Rader told the Globe that Embry’s work with Matthew’s Deer Processing has helped make the program possible for local hunters and families.

“Matt has done an outstanding job and is great to work with,” Rader said.

Community partners supporting this year’s program include Ozark Mountain Outdoors, Acts of the Shepherds Gathering at Sycamore Log Church, Woodland Hills Family Church and Plumlee Roofing and Construction.

Rader said the program depends on the generosity of those willing to support the effort.

“We could not do this without the generous support and donations from our community partners,” Rader said.

Hunter’s Harvest will continue through the deer season, giving hunters and community members a way to help stop hunger and to provide venison for families throughout Stone County.

For more information about Stone County Hunter’s Harvest, contact the Stone County Sheriff’s Office through its non-emergency number.