BYRON CENTER, Mich. (WZZM)- Since the regular firearm deer hunting season officially kicked off on Sunday, Nov. 15 in Michigan, many people across the state are heading out to the woods.
But for some, hunting is not all fun and games.
Hunters are still enjoying the sights and sounds of Mother Nature, but there's a more serious approach to deer hunting these days. And they're doing it to save money. WZZM 13 found out that many hunters are taking deer to local processing stores to get the meat packaged.
"This economy has been tough for a lot of folks," said Tom Wilkerson, an Ada, Mich., native. "I know that putting some meat on the table, if it's through deer hunting, is probably an advantage just because people are hurting. I know a lot of people that are needing to do that this year more than ever."
Wilkerson has been going hunting with his high school friends for the past 10 years. But he knows this recession has forced many hunters to change their way of thinking.
"Definitely people are trying to fill their freezers. There's no doubt about that," said Mike De Vries, who's with the business development department at Byron Center Meats.
Things couldn't be better at the company these days. Hunters are pouring into the store that's been in business since 1946.
"We definitely try to create value bundles and scenarios where filling the freezer is less expensive. Anytime you buy in bulk it's less expensive," said De Vries.
Being less expensive is exactly what drove Andrew Tompkins into the store. The Byron Center native recently shot a buck and got the deer meat packaged for about $75.
"You can probably go a month off of it. Not eating it everyday but once a week or something. I don't have to spend as much at the grocery store getting food or whatever," said Tompkins.
And when it comes to saving a dollar or two, getting this deal is huge because "I really don't have a job. I really don't have money right now," said Tompkins.
"It's definitely an economic condition that is gonna drive people to try to eat and survive and live on a less expensive budget," said De Vries.
There's obviously been a lot of concern about the chronic wasting disease across West Michigan. Byron Center Meats says if it's packaged at a reputable company like theirs, then your deer meat should be just fine.
By David SolanoIn your voice
