Hunt for the Hungry > Questions & Answers

Question: Where can I drop off donated deer?
Answer: You can drop off whole donated deer in the hide at many locations throughout Northeast Wisconsin and statewide. CLICK HERE for a list of Drop Off Sites & Venison Processors in this area. CLICK HERE for a complete list of statewide drop off sites, go to our homepage and click on the link to the Statewide Wisconsin Deer Donation Program.

Question: Is there any COST to the hunter?
Answer: NO, the donation of whole deer is FREE and EASY. All processing costs are paid for through surplus funding in the WDNR Wildlife Damage Program. Hunters are also asked to make a Cash Donation at the time they purchase their bow or gun deer license to help pay for program costs. If the hunter wants to pay the processing cost, they can but it is NOT required. That donation is tax deductible.

Question: Can I drop off more than one deer?
Answer: YES, fill those extra tags and bring in every deer that you don't plan to consume. You will be asked to record the total number of deer donated on a log sheet to keep track of the donations. DON'T FORGET TO GRAB A BUMPER STICKER - THANKS!

Question: Is deer meat safe and nutritious?
Answer: Yes, all deer donated to the program are inspected and processed by qualified venison processors that are licensed by the State of Wisconsin. Venison is nutritious, low fat and high in protein.

Question: Are deer harvested at any time other than the Fall hunting seasons?
Answer: Yes. While most recreational hunting occurs in the Fall, some antlerless deer are harvested through the WI-DNR Crop Damage Program. Farmers and Landscape Nursery Owners can donate crop damage deer they remove from their property.

Question: How much per pound can the hunter receive as a tax-deductible donation for a donated deer?
Answer: The calculation for taking a tax deduction for donated venison can be calculated as follows. First determine what it would cost you if you paid for the processing of your donated deer. We pay our processors $50 per deer to grind and package the venison. The cost to you may be higher depending on what you have processed from your deer. It costs the deer donation program about a $1.40 per pound to process donated deer and pay for administration of the program. Estimate how many pounds you are donating times the cost per pound to come up with the tax deduction. It is up to you to determine the value of your donation, similar to donating clothes or other items to the needy. The IRS web site offers information on determining Fair Market Value for charitable contributions. These valuations are usually based on what a person would pay for a similar item. An example would be the cost for a pound of hamburger at the grocery store.

Question: How does an individual in need obtain venison?
Answer: By contacting Paul's Pantry or your local food pantry. The venison donated to this program is distributed through Paul's Pantry and other food pantries throughout Northeast Wisconsin.

Question: How is antler removal done? Are they removed at the time of drop off? Answer: Each processor will determine how antlers will be removed from Adult Bucks this season. It would be wise for hunters to bring their own bone saw to remove the antlers when the buck is brought to the processor. Make sure to follow the processor's guidelines on how they want to handle this. Hunters may be required to carefully remove brain tissue and properly dispose of it in the antler removal process. Make sure to wear latex gloves when removing antler, skull, and brain tissue. Make sure to wash knives and bone saws in a 50/50 solution of bleach and water to destroy any prions present. Be aware that some processors may not allow the cutting off of antlers at their shop, especially cutting that removes part of the skull. Removing antlers at the base of the each antler should not be a problem. Make sure the registration tag is left secure to the deer, if antlers are moved.

Question: How can I get a program like this started in my state?
Answer: Start by contacting your state Department of Natural Resources to see if they are looking for help in coordinating a program and/or have funds available for the processing of donated deer for food pantries in your state. Contact Hunting Clubs in your area to see what interest their is in working with you, helping promote and sponsor your program. Talk with area Venison Processors to see what capacity they will have this season to process donated deer. Be prepared to offer them a reasonable rate of pay for each donated deer they process. Contact local food pantries to see what their needs are and what capacity they have to store and distribute donated ground venison. Get the help of your local media to promote your program. Get ready to work hard and be blessed. And feel free to contact Lee Dudek, Hunt For The Hungry. He will glad to help you and your organization. ALSO, Go to (FHFH) www.fhfh.org Farmers and Hunters Feeding The Hungry, for more information on starting a deer donation program in your area.

Still can't find an answer to your question? E-mail your question to Hunt For The Hungry ldncpal@new.rr.com and we will get the answer back to you.