When I sat down with Tony Heath to talk about the Barry County Branch’s venison donation program, I expected to learn more about deer processing numbers and logistics. What was discussed instead was a sweeping, heartfelt look into a group of volunteers whose impact reaches far beyond the freezer.
For Tony and the Barry County NDA team, conservation isn’t just an activity — it’s a lifestyle rooted in generosity, community, and a belief that outdoor traditions are worth protecting. Their work spans youth programs, hunter safety, habitat efforts, and a multi‑year venison donation program that has quietly fed thousands of people in need.
Investing in Youth: Lighting a Spark Outdoors
One of the branch’s proudest commitments is their long‑standing sponsorship of the Barry County Youth Day, hosted by the Barry County Conservation District. As the event’s largest monetary contributor, the branch helps give roughly 750 kids each year the opportunity to explore the outdoors.
From archery booths and fly‑fishing demonstrations to birdwatching, canoeing, trail walking, and BB gun shooting stations, the event brings together dozens of partners—each with one shared mission: to help kids discover a love for the natural world.
“It’s important to have our name on something that gets kids outside,” Tony said. “We’ve always believed in being part of that.”
The branch also funds the annual hunter safety program, covering most of the costs for a full class of about 50 young participants each spring. For many local families, this program is the start of a lifelong relationship with ethical hunting and resource stewardship.
For decades, the Barry County Branch has also supported local 4‑H youth at the county fair. Rather than purchasing a single animal for processing, they now contribute to the dairy program’s “gallon of milk” auction — a shift that allows their donation to reach 20 or more kids at once.
A billboard in the show arena proudly displays their support — a symbol of the branch’s constant presence in the community.
The Barry County NDA Branch also hosts an annual Youth Deer Pole!
Building Community Through Sight-Ins and Shared Traditions
Outside of structured youth programs, the branch also connects with the broader community through events like Mike’s annual 600‑yard “Shoot-out,” where locals are invited to practice shooting, share food, and participate in raffles before hunting season begins in November.
These gatherings reinforce what the branch values most: bringing people together around shared outdoor traditions.
The Heart of It All: Feeding Families Through Venison Donation
While the branch is active on many fronts, nothing compares to their passion for the venison donation program. Tony has led the effort since 2009, tracking every pound, every deer, and every impact made.
Over the years, the branch has:
- Processed 695 deer,
- Delivered 4,110 pounds of ground venison just last season, and
- Donated a total of 32,389 pounds of venison to Barry County food banks.
These aren’t small numbers — they represent thousands of meals for families who need them.
Tony coordinates directly with processors, maintains a consistent and fair pay structure, stores meat in four chest freezers at his home, and delivers hundreds of pounds at a time to local food banks from late October through the final doe season.
One price. One process. One hundred percent grind. Every deer.
The impact shows — as does the respect the national organization now has for the Barry County Branch’s leadership and integrity.
Living Their Mission: Habitat, Cooperatives, and Community Partnerships
Beyond venison donations and youth involvement, the Barry County Branch has invested deeply in:
- Deer cooperatives
- Annual Deer Rendezvous participation (and hosted in 2025)
- Habitat projects on state land
- Collaborations with the Turkey Federation
- Partnerships with Cedar Creek Institute and the Conservation District
- Past work with Pheasants Forever and pollinator initiatives
They’ve supported invasive species removal, improved habitat across public lands, and helped sustain Michigan’s cooperative movement from its earliest days.
Even now, nearly every board member is a life member — a sign of enduring commitment.
A Branch Defined by Heart
As I reflected on everything the branch has accomplished, I told Tony how proud I am of their work. Tony responded with his characteristic humility, but the truth is clear:
Barry County is a model of what conservation leadership looks like.
Their banquets regularly raise nearly $80,000 in a single night, providing major support for both local efforts and the national organization. They host, volunteer, fund, build, and care — not for recognition, but for their community and the wildlife they love. The Barry County NDA Branch was given National’s 2024 Community Engagement Event of the Year Award for their incredible venison donation program, which has provided thousands of pounds over the years to their local community!
And through that support, they’ve strengthened families, empowered youth, protected habitat, and fed more people than they’ll ever meet.
It has been — and continues to be — an incredible legacy.
If you live in Barry County and would like to be involved, reach out to their President, Mike Flohr: mikeflohr@hotmail.com
Leave a Reply