OHIO, USA — Through a partnership between the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and a nationwide nonprofit organization, hunters can give back to the community and support wildlife management during deer hunting season.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is teaming up again with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) to provide donated venison to local food banks.
Through a $30,000 grant from the Division of Wildlife, FHFH and participating processors will donate harvested white-tailed deer to verified charitable organizations that offer food assistance across Ohio.
Hunters who harvest a deer and would like to donate the venison can take it to one of 34 certified deer processing shops in Ohio. Each donated deer yields approximately 50 pounds of venison, which can provide about 200 meals. Venison is a lean meat high in nutritional value, according to ODNR.
Hunters donating their harvested deer are not required to pay for the processing of the venison. This program encourages deer harvesting for wildlife management in Ohio and promotes the charitable use of wildlife resources for public benefit. During the 2023-24 deer hunting season, FHFH coordinated the processing of 1,157 deer donated by Ohio hunters, which were then distributed by 79 charitable organizations.
Ohio's deer archery hunting season is open until Feb. 2, 2025. Statewide gun seasons run from Dec. 2 to Dec. 8 and again from Dec. 21 to Dec. 22. The muzzleloader season is scheduled for Jan. 4 to Jan. 7, 2025.
Hunting licenses and deer permits can be obtained through the HuntFish Ohio app, at wildohio.gov, or from any license vendor.
A complete list of deer processors accepting donations can be found at feedingthehungry.org.
ODNR ensures a balance between the wise use and protection of natural resources for the benefit of everyone. For additional information, visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
In Michigan, a separate and unaffiliated program is available to donate venison. For information on Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger, visit this link.
