Each year, hunters, meat processors and food pantries help families in need by working closely with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and its partners donate thousands of pounds of venison. The Deer Donation Program, which was established in the year 2000, has provided nearly 100,000 deer and over 3.8 million pounds of venison to food pantries across the state.
"Wisconsin hunters have an important opportunity to support families in their communities during the deer season through the Venison Donation Program," said DNR Wildlife Damage Specialist Brad Koele. "Whether you harvest an extra deer or donate the only deer you shoot, we thank all deer hunters, meat processing and nonprofit partners who help make this program a success for those in need."
Hunters are advised to plan ahead by knowing where participating processors are located and whether the deer needs to be tested for CWD.
Hunters should also call the participating processor before dropping off a deer to make sure the processor is prepared to accept the deer.
Categories: Wisconsin, Rural Lifestyle