Wisconsin's Deer Donation Program began in 2000, and since then, more than 92,000 deer have been donated, translating to more than 3.7 million pounds of venison distributed to food pantries across the state.
Hunters donate an extra harvested deer to the program.
DNR Wildlife Damage Program Assistant Liz Tanner explains how hunters can participate this year...
"All hunters have to do is harvest their deer and then take it to one of our participating processors. They will need their registration confirmation number upon donating their deer...."
Tanner says counties vary in rules regarding chronic wasting disease...
"...We do have certain counties that have CWD testing requirements. Some counties require all deer to be tested. Some require adults only to be tested. Once the deer are tested, they can be taken to the processor...."
Tanner says hunters should also call the participating processor before dropping off a deer to make sure the processor is prepared to accept the deer.
For more information about the DNR's deer donation program, a list of participating meat processors, CWD sampling requirements and more on how to help, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keywords "deer donation."
