Schumer backs deduction for deer donation

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., is proposing a new tax deduction for hunters who donate their kills to food banks.

Schumer's plan would allow hunters to claim processing venison and other game as tax deductions if the meat is for donation to a food bank, the Albany (N.Y.) Times Union reported Thursday.

The senator said his proposal would fight deer overpopulation while giving needed relief to hunters and the poor. He said the legislation would be a "win for our hunters, a win for the hungry, a win for our state economy and a win for conservation."

Experts said professionally processing a deer for consumption can cost between $65 and $80 and an average deer provides about 160 servings of meat.