Hunters, Have a Heart!

According to the Wausau Daily Herald, hunters are being asked to have a heart - or more correctly, to give a heart - to the Raptor Education Group, Inc. of Antigo, Wisconsin. Deer hearts, which many hunters normally dispose of, can be donated to the raptor rehabilitation facility, helping save money in caring for the birds. The REGI cares for dozens, even hundreds, of birds each month, and feeding costs can quickly spiral to several thousand dollars.

Raptors have trouble digesting much fat, and the almost pure muscle and protein of a heart is perfect for feeding recovering birds. Donations can be made at Zillman's Meat Market in Wausau or Country Fresh Meats in Weston. Hunters who are not near the REGI facility can contact local wildlife rehabilitation centers to inquire about similar donations.

For more information about REGI's mission, including other ways to donate, visit RaptorEducationGroup.org.

White-Tailed Deer
Photo © Andy