Iowa Hunters are encouraged to support the Elks Veterans Leather Program by donating the hides of deer they have harvested. 

The Elks Veterans Leather Program utilizes deer hides to make professionally crafted leather gloves for veterans in wheelchairs. Leather from the hides can also be used for therapy programs for recovering veterans. The therapeutic kits and gloves are distributed to veterans at no cost. Last year, Iowa hunters donated more than 4,500 deer hides to the Elks Lodges, an increase of nearly 600 from 2022. 

Anyone willing to donate hides for the program can drop them off at Nelson Company in Fairfield, Fastenal/Kinney & Sons in Mt. Pleasant, or the Oakland Mills Nature Center. A tax deductible receipt is available. For more information, contact Rich at 641-919-7951.