News
Indiana Deer Hunters Can Donate Meat to Feed Families This Season
Indianapolis, IN – Indiana deer hunters have an opportunity to help feed families in need this hunting season while avoiding meat processing fees through a statewide donation program that has already
By Mason Reid · 2026-10-14T16:45:18.609Z
Indianapolis, IN – Indiana deer hunters have an opportunity to help feed families in need this hunting season while avoiding meat processing fees through a statewide donation program that has already provided hundreds of thousands of pounds of venison to Hoosiers.
According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, t he Hunt for Hunger program allows hunters to donate legally harvested deer at participating meat processors, with processing costs covered by the program.
The donated deer are processed into ground venison and distributed to nonprofit food banks, food pantries and free meal programs throughout Indiana.
Since the program began in 2008, Hoosier hunters have donated more than 500,000 pounds of venison to help address food insecurity across the state.
Participating is straightforward.
Hunters legally harvest a deer during an authorized hunting season and deliver it to an approved Hunt for Hunger processor.
The processor handles the meat preparation at no cost to the donating hunter, allowing the venison to reach organizations serving residents experiencing food insecurity.
The DNR maintains an online directory of participating processors across Indiana, including businesses in Allen, Elkhart, Monroe, Dubois, LaGrange and other counties.
Participation and operating hours vary by location, so hunters should confirm availability before dropping off a deer.
The program works with organizations including Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry, the Dubois County Sportsman's Club and Farmers & Hunters Feeding the Hungry.
Officials say the initiative helps turn locally harvested deer into a valuable source of protein for Indiana families.
The program also offers hunters an alternative when they have more venison than they can personally use.
Hunters interested in donating can review participating processor locations and program details at on.IN.gov/huntforhunger .
With deer hunting opportunities continuing through the fall, the DNR is encouraging eligible hunters to consider making a donation that could help provide meals for fellow Hoosiers.