Capitol News

Hunters Feeding Michigan, a program operated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, processed 140,000 pounds of donated venison during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. This figure marks a new annual record for the program and is equivalent to more than 560,000 servings of venison distributed to people in need throughout the state.

The initiative enables hunters to donate deer at participating processors, with the resulting venison distributed by local charities and food banks. "Every year it seems like more hunters choose to donate their harvest to the program, which helps feed even more of our neighbors across the state," said Joe Presgrove, Hunters Feeding Michigan program specialist. "I frequently receive calls and letters from the local food pantries thanking the program for providing much needed protein to their communities."

Presgrove credited hunters who contribute game, individuals who help cover processing costs, dedicated processors, as well as partners such as the Food Bank Council of Michigan and Feeding America’s distribution network for the success of what he called “such an amazing program.” Since its launch in 2007, Hunters Feeding Michigan has supplied over three million servings of venison.

The Department of Natural Resources encourages outdoor enthusiasts buying licenses or permits to consider making a monetary donation to support processing expenses. "Your contribution covers processing costs, turning donated deer into meals," Presgrove said. "A donation of just $3 provides a venison meal for over four Michiganders!"

Further information about Hunters Feeding Michigan is available at Michigan.gov/HuntersFeedingMichigan.