Thousands of Michigan deer hunters have been in the fields and woods of the Wolverine State the past week, harvesting white tail deer in a carefully supervised annual hunt. It’s a beloved ritual for many Michigan families and groups of friends who have hunted together for decades. Recently, a spin-off benefit of the Deer Hunt has been the donation of more than half a million protein rich meals to less fortunate Michiganders.
The ’Hunters Feeding Michigan’ program is run through the Michigan DNR (Department of Natural Resources), which sets the ground rules and coordinates the effort that results in feeding families that otherwise might have a meat-less meal. In 2024, more than 140,000 pounds of venison was donated and processed by the program, contributing to more than 500,000 servings.
Perhaps the key to the Hunters Feeding Michigan success is that hunters may donate their deer free of charge. The meat is then processed by approved, certified processers all around the state, who are partially compensated by the DNR. Many hunters love the ‘sport’ of the deer hunt, while not necessarily wishing to fill their freezers with venison. Through the program, they have an opportunity to enjoy the hunt, while their success helps drive an important goal of feeding Michiganders in need.
Here in Michigan’s Great Southwest, the Hunters Feeding Michigan program is centered at Clearwater Meats in Eau Claire, a major processor of venison for area hunters.
Donation Timeslots in November:
Friday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The program seems to be growing, according to the DNR.
“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 Hunters Feeding Michigan program specialist Joe Presgrove. “I frequently receive calls and letters from the local food pantries thanking the program for providing much needed protein to their communities.”
