Where to take extra hunting meat? (2013, to live, food)

[Austin97]

We are going to be clearing hogs from land and may end up with too much meat. Does anyone know of a place where we could take the extra meat?

[mamacatnv]

My freezer?

[CptnRn]

Call and ask if they take hogs.

Hunters For the Hungry - TFBN

Hunters for the Hungry is a statewide hunger relief program dedicated to providing a healthy source of protein to needy Texans. In Texas, 1 in 5 people live in households that struggle to afford food.
Hunters for the Hungry facilitates the donation of freshly harvested deer to local food banks through a network of participating processors. Hunters only need to bring their deer to the nearest processor and pay a small processing fee to participate.
Since the program’s inception, Texas Hunters for the Hungry has provided nearly 2.5 million pounds of meat – or an estimated 10 million servings – to Texans in need. In 2013, the Texas Association of Community Action Agencies, Inc., entered into an agreement with the Texas Food Bank Network to assume management of the Texas Hunters for the Hungry program.
Find a Processor Near You!
We are currently assembling a list of processors in Texas. Please check back for a full list, and contact Lee Pipkin below if you require assistance in the meantime.
Questions?
For more information on this program, contact Lee Pipkin at (325) 617-2228 or lpipkin@tfbn.org.

[CptnRn]

You might get a better response in the Texas forum rather then in a "City" forum. Some of my web searches indicate that distribution of feral hog meat to food pantries may be illegal in Texas. But those were individual opinions, not anything from an official source.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild...ce/feral_hogs/

Do feral hogs carry disease?
In general, diseases from wild hogs do not pose a significant threat to humans; however, some diseases can be transmitted to livestock and wildlife. It is important to keep all livestock vaccinated, especially where large feral hog populations are concentrated.
Various diseases of wild hogs include pseudorabies, swine brucellosis, tuberculosis, bubonic plague, tularemia, hog cholera, foot and mouth disease, and anthrax. Internal parasites include kidney worms, stomach worms, round worms and whipworms. Liver flukes and trichinosis are also found in hogs. External parasites include dog ticks, fleas and hog lice.

What is pseudorabies and swine brucellosis?
Pseudorabies, also known as "mad itch" is a swine herpes virus that may affect the respiratory, nervous and reproductive systems. Despite its name, it is not a rabies type disease but derives its name from the symptoms similar to a rabid animal. It is transmitted primarily through breeding but may also to be transmitted through respiratory secretions of the infected animal. Infected adult swine typically develop flu-like symptoms whereas young pigs can have severe respiratory and digestive symptoms and ultimately die. Pseudorabies poses no threat to humans but may be fatal to domestic livestock and pets.
Swine Brucellosis is an infectious, bacterial, reproductive disease that can cause abortion, low conception rates and other problems. It is transmittable to humans, known as undulant fever, and causes flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, aches and pains. It is treatable with specific antibiotics.

How do I keep from contracting diseases?
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recommends all hunters use disposable plastic or rubber gloves when field dressing or cleaning wild swine. Bury or burn the gloves and entrails and then wash your hands with soap and hot water. And finally, make sure the meat is thoroughly cooked.

Is the meat good to eat?
Yes, meat from feral hogs is extremely tasty and much leaner than penraised pork. The meat from older boars may be tougher and rank tasting if not prepared adequately. As with all pork, care should be taken and the meat well cooked. Otherwise, it should be prepared just like market hogs. The slower the meat is cooked, the more tender and tasty it becomes.

[Trainwreck20]

distribution of feral hog meat to food pantries may be illegal in Texas

I believe this is still true, they have been working on fixing it for a few years, but did not get around to it this legislature.

[johnrex62]

I think you may have to resort to loading the freezers of friends and family and volunteers from City-Data, of course. Me and Mamacatnv have got your back!

[Decidigi]

If it comes to volunteers, I'll gladly throw my name in the hat

[10scoachrick]

OP, I reckon the folks over at Texas Gun Talk would have some ideas...many of them are central Texas hunters and land owners who perhaps face similar 'overages' of meat from time to time...
Texas Gun Talk - The Premier Texas Gun Forum

[Austin97]

hah ok, Ill let you guys know. We are only going to take ones less than 150 lbs.

[G Grasshopper]

Thanks for "clearing out" those feral pigs. They are most certainly a blight on the land, and I appreciate hunters who spend their energies helping out with their elimination. I know they are smart, and it isn't necessarily an easy thing to do. Good hunting!