Venison Giveaway Feeds Dozens of Chattooga Families

A generous group of local hunters has turned their early-season success into something far greater than a filled freezer — full hearts and full plates across Chattooga County.

The season’s early doe hunt brought in around 80 pounds of fresh venison, which was cleaned, processed, and packaged into 64 individual packs — enough to provide over 300 meals for local families. The effort was organized by Robert Mullinax, who said the project is a personal ministry to help meet the neighbors’ needs in Chattooga County.

“This is ministry for me,” said Mullinax. “Jesus is Lord. His Holy Spirit has blessed me and my family abundantly. This is a way to give back to Chattooga County residents — especially those often forgotten. I cannot stand the thought of a child without food.”

Mullinax and his small crew carefully processed each deer, ensuring sanitary conditions and proper handling. The venison went from field to freezer in just over 24 hours, with each pack containing about 1.5 pounds of fresh, lean ground meat — prepared exactly as it would be for their own families.

When the call for families went out, the response was overwhelming. The list quickly filled with 20 families, and several already signed up for the next giveaway. Each family received three packs of venison, and more giveaways are already being planned later in the season.

The Purpose Behind the Hunt

Georgia’s early doe season was introduced to help control deer populations, increase hunting opportunities, and support charitable programs such as the state’s Hunters for the Hungry initiative.

According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the early season allows hunters to harvest does sooner, which helps manage the herd before the rut and prevents overpopulation.

But for Mullinax and his crew, the early time in the woods provided an opportunity to show how hunters can serve their neighbors.

“There were no shots fired during the early doe days on Saturday or Sunday outside of us,” Mullinax said. “More people could do the same. Hunters for the Hungry is a great program, but you never really know where that meat goes or how it was handled. This way, we know exactly where it came from and who it’s helping — right here at home.”

Mullinax hopes more hunters will be inspired to follow suit.

“It’s illegal to sell game meat in Georgia, so all of this is strictly donation-based,” Mullinax added. “But it’s a wonderful way to show the love of Christ, provide for others, and change the public outlook on hunters and sportsmen.”

Looking Ahead

Mullinax said the team plans to host at least one or two more meat giveaways before the end of deer season.

“This is a triple win,” Mullinax said. “We’re helping families, promoting conservation and hunting, and showing what it means to care for your community.”

A Community Effort

Special thanks to Lindsay Mullinax, Franklin Myrick, and Miles Mullinax for their time, hard work, and heart in making the effort possible.

From field to freezer to families in need — this grassroots act of kindness reminds us of what community looks like in Chattooga County.