Deer Donation program enters 10th year

More than 3.1 million pounds of venison distributed

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 MADISON – This year marks the 10th anniversary of Wisconsin’s Venison Donation Program. In ten years hunters have made a tremendous positive impact on the lives of thousands of families through the Venison Donation Program -- distributing more than 3.1 million pounds of ground venison from nearly 70,000 deer donated by hunters, processed by participating meat processors and distributed by volunteers to state food pantries.

This year, 131 processors are participating in the program at a time when perhaps more families than ever might be looking for help with the grocery bill bill.

“If you have the chance out there this year, think about donating a deer,” says Department of Natural Resources Secretary Matt Frank.

Participating processors will be displaying a new sign in their businesses this year, designed by Madison graphic designer Tom Senatori, identifying them as drop-off and processing locations for this program. Hunters dropping off a deer will receive a matching sticker designed by DNR Wisconsin Deer Donation Coordinator Laurie Fike, that they can attach to a vehicle, gun case or anywhere else identifying them as providers of high quality food to needy families.

Even the Green Bay Packers are contributing to stopping hunger through their “Hunt Down Hunger” program.

Wisconsin’s Venison Donation Program is a partnership between local charitable organizations, counties, the Department of Natural Resources, meat processors and hunters. This effort has provided high quality protein to thousands of families over the years. In addition to donating deer to the program, since 2002 hunters have chipped in an additional $123,000 to the pantry program on top of the fee they pay for deer harvest permits.

A list of participating meat processors, is available on the DNR Web site and is searchable by county.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Laurie Fike (608) 267-7974 or Bob Manwell (608) 264-9248

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