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Hunters Feeding Michigan™

group of hunters in orange in front of Hunters Feeding Michigan banner

Hunters Feeding Michigan™

  • Hunters Feeding Michigan logo

    The Hunters Feeding Michigan program is a perfect way for hunters to share their harvest by donating their deer – at no cost to the hunter – at a participating processor. Each deer donated provides an estimated 160 high-protein and nutritious meals. Since 2005, hunters have donated 3.5 million servings of venison. Thanks to the Department of Natural Resources' partnership with Feeding America and its collaboration with a network of processors across the state, venison donations go to Michiganders in need.

    Watch our Hunters Feeding Michigan video to learn more about the program.

meat processor hauling deer out of truck

Where to donate deer

To donate venison, visit a participating processor – there is no cost to the deer donor. See our list of participating processors to find one near you.
Hunters Feeding Michigan trailer and Jay's table at deer donation drive

Deer donation drives

Take part in our Hunters Feeding Michigan deer donation drives. We’ll be taking deer donations for the program in several locations across the state.
smiling woman pointing at a freezer full of ground venison packages

Support the program

Help offset the cost of processing and packaging venison by making a monetary donation when you buy your license. Nonhunters can also donate.
closeup of sponsor logos on Hunters Feeding Michigan trailer

Partnership opportunities

Building partnerships with local businesses helps us put more food on the table for Michiganders. Interested in partnering with Hunters Feeding Michigan? Learn more and submit a partner package enrollment form.
Food and Other Resources Helpline graphic

Food & Other Resources Helpline

The Food Bank Council of Michigan's helpline offers assistance in over 240 languages to residents in all 83 counties who may need help with applying for SNAP benefits, accessing local food programs or finding other resources.
close-up of person lifting forkful of venison burrito from plate

How to use ground venison

The ground venison we distribute, from Michigan deer donated by hunters, is a lean, healthy source of protein and nutrients. You can cook and use it the same way you would ground beef. Check out some recipes we recommend trying.

Special thanks to Hunters Feeding Michigan program sponsors:

Food Bank Council of Michigan logo

Food Bank Council of Michigan

Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies logi

Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies