The Associated Press

An organization that funnels hunters' bounty to Virginia food banks says a record amount of venison was donated last year.

Hunters for the Hungry processed and distributed more than 363,000 pounds of deer meat to families and low-income individuals in 2007.

Program director Laura Newell-Furniss attributes the increase in donations to larger deer populations across the state, combined with hunters' growing awareness of the donation programs.

She says hunters have donated more than three million pounds of venison since the program began in 1991.

Hunters deliver deer carcasses to professional meat cutters across Virginia, and Hunters for the Hungry pays for animals to be butchered, wrapped and frozen.

Food banks and other agencies then distribute the meat to needy families.