Hunters Can Donate A Deer to Help Feed New York

Hunting season is wrapping up for 2024 but there are still a few opportunities out there for late season hunters.

If you have been out hunting chances are you ended up with a deer and if so hopefully you are able to use all the meat but if you aren't there is a program you should know about. Feeding New York State can take your extra venison and use it to feed families who are experiencing food insecurity this winter.

How to Donate Your Harvested Deer to Help Feed New York State

This winter the New York State DEC and Feeding New York State have teamed up to fight against hunger which according to the New York State Department of Health is affecting one in four adults in New York State. The latest report has almost 40% of adults saying that they are food insecure in some counties in New York.

So how can your late season deer harvests help? Simple you can donate your deer through the program set up by Feeding New York State. All you need to do is bring your deer to one of the participating processors and they will do the rest.

These are the steps to follow according to Feeding New York State to help DEC partners facilitate deer donations which annually add up to 50 - 70,000 pounds of venison.

1. Donate any legally harvested deer by dropping it off at a participating processor.
2. We suggest you call one of the participating processors before dropping off your deer to ensure they can accept your deer.
3. Please handle the carcass as you would for your own family.
4. When dropping your deer off at a processor, please complete the log sheet indicating your desire to donate the deer. The donated deer will be processed and the venison will be distributed to food pantries and food banks to help feed hungry New Yorkers. (via feedingnys.org/hunters

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