With archery seasons already underway and the gun deer season on the horizon, the Wisconsin DNR encourages hunters and meat processors to participate in the DNR’s Deer Donation Program this year.

The program helps stock food pantries and supports residents in need throughout the state. Since the program began in 2000, hunters have donated more than 100,000 deer, which were processed into over 4 million pounds of ground venison.

The DNR has announced an increase to the reimbursement rate for meat processors that accept deer donations through the DNR’s Deer Donation Program. Going forward, meat processors will be reimbursed $125 per deer (previously $100) or $135 per deer if CWD testing was required (previously $110). This increase is meant to encourage more meat processors to participate in the program.

“The success of the program is ultimately driven by its dedicated participants – from the hunters putting in the hours in the field, to the meat processors who devote their time and labor, and our partners that host deer donation collection events,” said Marcus Rufeldt, DNR Deer Donation Program manager. “The DNR values everyone who contributes to the program’s success, big and small.”

Locally, deer can be donated to Prime Choice Meat Market, located at 1144 Highway 45 S in Eagle River; TJ’s Butcher Block, 8762 Highway 51 in Minocqua; and Lake Tomahawk Meat Market, 7259 Highway 47, Lake Tomahawk. All three sites also are CWD testing sites.

Food organizations that receive donated venison include the Vilas, Lakeland and Boulder Junction food pantries in Vilas County; and Rhinelander Food Pantry and AMVETS Post 724 in Rhinelander, and Camp American Legion in Lake Tomahawk.

Participating in program

The DNR has a few guidelines on how to donate a deer.

Deer should be field-dressed and registered prior to drop-off. Hunters should handle the carcass as if it were destined for their own table. A couple of bags of ice placed in the cavity will help preserve the carcass in warm weather.

It’s also recommended that they call ahead to the processor to make sure they have space to accept it. CWD testing of adult deer is required in Vilas and Oneida counties.

Hunters can donate any deer harvested legally in Wisconsin, but deer harvested outside Wisconsin cannot be donated.

Anyone who is interested in participating can go online to dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/donation for more information or to find online forms to become a venison processor or receiver.