Wisconsin’s deer donation program

Submitted by Marcus Rufledt, DNR Deer Donation Program Manager

MADISON, WI – Hunters can help Wisconsinites in need by donating deer harvested in Wisconsin through the DNR’s deer donation program. Venison from donated deer is processed and distributed to food pantries across the state. Since the program began in 2000, hunters have donated over 100,000 deer, which were processed into over four million pounds of ground venison.

What to Expect when Donating – Hunters can donate the entire deer free of charge and retain the head and antlers for mounting if desired. When dropping your deer off at a processor, you will be asked to complete the log sheet indicating your intent to donate the deer. We’ll do the rest.

The donated deer will be processed, and the venison will be distributed to charitable organizations to help feed those Wisconsinites in need of food assistance. Hunters and the public can also voluntarily donate $1 or more to help cover venison processing fees. You can donate at any DNR license sales location or online through your Go Wild account.

Lead Bullets and Venison – Deer harvested with lead bullets have been shown to have tiny lead pieces or fragments remaining in a portion of the processed meat. This is especially true for ground venison. Lead is toxic to humans, even in very low amounts. Children under six years old and pregnant women are at the greatest risk from lead exposure. Consider switching to non-toxic, lead-free ammunition, such as copper, or to bow hunting, to reduce exposure to lead for venison recipients. Visit the Safely Eating Venison webpage for recommendations on reducing the risk of lead in venison.

How to Donate Your Deer – Hunters can donate any deer harvested legally in Wisconsin. Deer harvested outside Wisconsin cannot be donated. Deer harvested in a listed county affected by chronic wasting disease (CWD) must be tested for CWD before or at the time of donation (see below).

1. Field-dress and register your deer prior to dropping it off at a processor/drop-off location. Handle the carcass as if it were destined for your own table. A couple of bags of ice placed in the cavity will help preserve the carcass in warm weather.
2. Register your deer. Write down your registration confirmation number, as you will need it to fill out the Hunter Deer Donation Log Sheet; this number can be retrieved through your Go Wild account or by calling DNR Customer Service (1-888-936-7463). If your deer was harvested from one of the counties requiring CWD testing (see CWD Testing Requirements tab on the website), please ensure you complete the required CWD testing before donating.
3. Call ahead! Contact one of the participating processors before dropping off your deer to ensure they have space to accept it. More processors may be added later in the season, so check back if you don’t see one currently in your area.
4. Drop off your deer at a participating processor.

List of places to donate deer – go to the DNR website: dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/donation, for the list.