The DNR is continuing Wisconsin’s holiday tradition of helping those in need through their Deer Donation Program. Since the start of the program nearly 15 years ago, hunters have donated over 87,000 deer amounting to nearly 4 million pounds of ground venison. Coordinator Brad Koele says the deer is donated to a processor, ground up into 2 pounds of burger, then donated to local food pantries.
“…if you know they have antlerless tags in their pocket or are into managing deer on their property and looking for heard reduction and have the opportunity to harvest an extra deer or just want to harvest a deer and donate to someone that’s needy and can use that venison, it’s a great opportunity for them to do that, and donate it.”
Koele says deer from counties with chronic wasting disease need to be tested before being donated. For a list of CWD affected counties and how to donate venison visit the DNR’s website.
