HAMLIN, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Think lean protein and you have to look no further than out the window.

That's because in many parts of our region, deer season is coming up. Extension offices around the region are hearing a lot more buzz about people keeping it in their own freezers rather than donating their harvest.

At a family nutrition class put on by the county extension office in Hamlin in Lincoln County, the talk is of deer as a cheap protein for a lot of people.

"One deer will last us three or four weeks if we eat it constantly," Mary Page of Lincoln County said.

The goal here is to help people eat well and save money. Hunting season is nearly here. Last year, enough were harvested to feed almost one out of every ten families in West Virginia. And with times tight, the expectation is more of what you see here will end up on someone's plate.

"Out of all the food dollars spent 12% of all food is thrown away. That's a devestating amount of food that's wasted every year," Rita Searls, a nutrition outreach instructor, said.

If you're going to can it, remember deer meat has to be in a pressure canner.

The most common reason to can deer is for chili. But the extension office says grinding it would be a mistake.

Nutritionists say buying an equivalent of hamburger meat in a store could cost you $150 compared to harvesting your own deer.