Hunting season is right around the corner here in Montana, with archery pronghorn kicking off on August 15. I’ve been working on that pre-season check list: hitting the archery range, blowing the dust off the hunting pack, replacing that range finder that broke last year, and scouting to put up some trail-cameras. I keep watching to see if I’ve been lucky to draw an extra doe tag, not only to add to the freezer, but to also give to those in need.
If you’ve thought about donating a deer but don’t know how, NDA’s new venison processor map can help you find a processor near you that accepts deer donations. By participating in a donation program, you are ensuring healthy deer populations for the future and supporting individuals and families suffering from food insecurity.
What is a Venison Donation Program?
Here in Montana, we’re fortunate to have Hunters Against Hunger, a statewide venison donation program run by the Montana Food Bank Network. Venison donation programs were developed in part to help regulate overpopulated herds and to help the local food banks provide meat for communities. Venison donations help support appropriate wildlife management and healthy deer herds while ensuring the meat provides necessary protein to those in need.
Efforts like these have helped many states increase their antlerless deer harvest to better manage overpopulated deer herds. Donation programs are run by state wildlife agencies, nonprofits, or food bank networks. Programs currently exist in most states across the country. While every state program is unique, the process typically goes the same.
How It Works
- Fill a tag – typically an extra doe tag.
- Field-dress the deer, then take it to a participating processor.
- Pay a discounted processing fee, or in many cases the cost is covered through reimbursement to the processor from the donation program.
- The meat is ground into burger and delivered to local food banks ready to be distributed to those who need it most.
Not sure if your state has a program? No problem, we have you covered! Check out our Venison Processing page on the NDA website where it not only tells you if your state participates in a donation program but also has a map that shows venison processors in your area!
By donating your extra doe you not only extend your hunting season, you support food security and your local community. It’s one more reason to love what we do as hunters. It’s an opportunity for hunters to donate their harvested game to a local food bank to help feed those in need.
Stay connected by keeping an eye out on our newsletter for donation programs and processor highlights. Let’s keep giving back – one tag, one meal at a time.