BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – It’s been nearly two weeks since the deer gun season opened in North Dakota.

Game & Fish Wildlife Biologist Doug Leier reports that the first weekend was a fair weekend with conditions benefiting the deer. Leier says moving forward there is a lot of reason for optimism to fill tags in North Dakota.

Leier also says to keep Sportsmen Against Hunger in mind when hunting this winter.

Leier pointed out that the charitable program raises money for processing donated goose and deer meet and then distributes them to local food pantries.

Leier says this alternative is better than having meet spoil or sit in the freezers and go uneaten.

Area processors that accept donations include Reister Meats in Streeter, Miller’s Fresh Foods in Cooperstown, Valley Meats in Valley City, The Butcher Block in Oakes, LaMoure Lockers in LaMoure, and Warehouse Grocery in Harvey.

For more, visit gf.nd.gov.

Listen to Doug Leier each Thursday at 7:20 AM with JD in the Morning on Big Dog 95.5 FM.