During the 2023 Deer Hunting season, there were reported 141,042 deer harvested in Kentucky by 107,107 hunters. In Butler County in 2023, there were 1525 deer harvested by 1167 hunters. Hunting is a popular sport in our community. Hunting has the potential to show an increase in physical activity, improve mental health, and improve the nutritional intakes of individuals and families. According to a new study published in 2024 in the Scientific Reports, wild food procurement was associated with improved food security during the 2020 pandemic (Home and wild food procurement were associated with improved food security during the COVID-19 pandemic in two rural US states | Scientific Reports). In an article from Michigan State University Extension, it is highlighted that hunting can promote physical activity as it requires stamina, strength, and balance as well as walking, bending, stretching, balancing, pulling and hauling- which are aerobic, strength building, and stretching activities. Being in the outdoors, according to this article, also has several mental health benefits- such as lowering blood pressure and heart rate, reducing stress, and being a natural antidepressant. (Health benefits of hunting - Stress Less with Mindfulness)

In November of 2024, the Butler County Extension Office as well as community partners from Butler County collaborated to present a Hunter’s Night Out. This event was held on the night prior to the start of gun season for deer hunting in Butler County. The objective of the evening was to offer resources and information for the sportsman in the community. Sportsman were provide with information on hunter safety, resources for equipment and supplies, recipes and handouts on how to safely store and prepare wild game, as well as in-person demonstrations on deer processing (by UK Specialist Dr. Gregg Rentfrow) and how to prepare summer sausage (by Butler Co Extension staff). Approximately 700 individuals attended the event. Attendees were able to sample two extension recipes that were prepared using deer meat and turkey- Cook Wild Venison Chili and Butternut Squash Turkey Chili. The recipes for both food items as well as recipes for other wild game items were distributed to attendees with many stating they were looking forward to trying a new recipe as a result of the program. 60 individuals participated in the deer processing demonstration, with many asking questions and all individuals stating they gained knowledge and understanding as a result of the demonstration. 20 individuals participated in the demonstration for the summer sausage with the majority stating intentions to make summer sausage at home. Participants also reported that they had an increase in knowledge of food safety practices.

All attendees were given access to information on hunting safety practices, ways to improve nutrition through utilization of wild game, and the opportunity to build and strengthen community relationships with other sportsman from the area.

Community partners for this event included Cool Springs Baptist Church, the Morgantown Mission, New Liberty Missionary Baptist Church, and multiple sponsors from the community.