White tail deer are the preeminent hunting species in Delaware. For some, however, they are a crop- and livelihood-damaging nuisance. Either way, if hunters are looking to harvest more deer and farmers are looking at expanding crop-damage management, we at the Delaware Sportsmen's Caucus would like to see more of the harvested game meat going to feed our most vulnerable citizens.
The Sportsmen Against Hunger program pays butchers a small amount per pound for taking in harvested game species, professionally butchering it, and sending it to nearby soup kitchens, food banks, and other places where it can be put to the most noble of uses - feeding those in need.
However, the program is beginning to fail. As of the writing of this letter, the state is down to only four participating butchers serving the entire state. A year ago at this time, there were seven.
At the heart of this issue is a liability concern. Butchers participating in this program have to pay for half again as much liability coverage for donating. This cost for this expanded liability comes out of their pocket. The State of Delaware is forcing butchers to pay for higher premiums for giving to the poor and needy in our state.
This is as if, legally, your business had to pay extra insurance premiums for giving toys and clothes to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. Would that not discourage you from donating?
One solution to this posed by the Delaware Sportsmen's Caucus is to provide a small amount of liability protection. This would allow the state to not force butchers in the program to carry the state-mandated $3 million of liability protection when a standard butcher only pays $2 million.
Opponents of this idea ignore how amazingly successful Pennsylvania and other states have been in attracting and keeping butchers in their programs. These states take in far more deer and have existed for years without issue. They point to some sort of phantom "difference in the standard of care." This is completely untrue. Under the proposed bill, a butcher who acted in a grossly negligent way would still be held liable for damages. The difference is it provides protection against a catch-all "simple negligence" standard.
This is a real concern as more and more butchers choose not to participate in the program. While we are debating a phantom menace, our state's most vulnerable citizens are losing access to this valuable, safe, and healthy food source. If you were hungry, which would be more important: more ability to sue on the rare chance that something may go wrong or more, healthy, donated, safe food? The co-chairs of the Delaware Sportsmen's Caucus believe this should be an easy answer: more food.
The bill is supported by organizations that work every day feeding Delawareans in need, including the Food Bank of Delaware.
We are asking you to call or email your elected officials and politely ask them to support the bipartisan HB 317.
Rep. William Carson
Rep. Jeff Spiegelman
Sen. Bruce Ennis
Sen. Brian Pettyjohn
Co-chairmen of the Delaware Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
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