Michigan’s hunters set a record for donations of harvested venison to food banks

Michigan hunters have set a new record by donating 140,000 pounds of processed venison to local food pantries and food banks over the past year.

The milestone was achieved during fiscal year 2025, which ended September 30, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. That meat translates into more than 560,000 servings for families in need.

“Every year it seems more hunters choose to donate their harvest to the program, helping feed even more neighbors across the state,” said Joe Presgrove, program specialist for Hunters Feeding Michigan. “I often receive calls and letters from local food pantries thanking the program for providing much-needed protein to their communities.”

Hunters Feeding Michigan was established in 2007 and operates through a partnership among hunters, meat processors, funding donors, the Food Bank Council of Michigan, and the Feeding America network.

The DNR encourages residents and visitors to support the initiative by making financial donations when purchasing hunting and fishing licenses or outdoor recreation permits.

This year’s fall deer donation dates are November 21–23. Donors must ensure deer are whole with heads attached, legally tagged and reported, and field-dressed prior to donation. Additional details are available on the Hunters Feeding Michigan website.