Wisconsin DNR deer donation program; officials urge hunters to take part

As Wisconsin’s nine-day gun deer season approaches, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is making a special plea: donate your harvested deer to help feed those in need. The Deer Donation Program, established in 2000, has provided over 4 million pounds of ground venison to Wisconsin families, thanks to the generosity of hunters. Wisconsin DNR hopes even more hunters will participate this year, offering a tangible way to manage deer populations and support struggling communities.

The Deer Donation Program: A Growing Resource

The Wisconsin Deer Donation Program enables hunters to donate harvested deer, which are then processed into ground venison and distributed to food pantries across the state. Since its inception in 2000, the program has facilitated the donation of more than 100,000 deer, resulting in over 4 million pounds of lean meat for families facing food insecurity. “This program offers communities a great opportunity to both help manage local deer populations and provide families in need with quality lean meat,” said Marcus Rufledt, the DNR’s deer donation program manager. The program helps stock food pantries and supports residents in need throughout the state; deer harvested outside Wisconsin cannot be donated.

The need for food assistance remains significant in Wisconsin. Data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services reveals that nearly 900,000 residents—approximately 15% of the state's population—received food assistance at least once in 2025. Rising demand at community pantries underscores the importance of programs like the Deer Donation Program in addressing this critical need. Hunters who wish to participate can find details on eligible deer and drop-off locations on the DNR’s website.

Challenges and Opportunities for Hunters

This year's hunt presents unique challenges. The late start to the season, combined with warmer weather, may hinder hunters’ success. “The silver lining in that is that (in) a warmer gun season, hunters may be able to spend increased time in the field,” said Steve Burns, deer program specialist with the DNR. Hunters are contending with warmer weather and fewer deer on the move due to the late start for the state’s upcoming nine-day gun deer season. The season runs Saturday, Nov. 21 through Sunday, Nov. 29. Hunters are facing challenges similar to last year with the hunt coming after the peak of the rut, or mating season. Although snow over the Thanksgiving weekend provided hunters with better visibility for deer last year, hunters are unlikely to see snow cover or colder weather if above normal temperatures continue.

Despite these conditions, Wisconsin is estimated to have close to 2 million deer heading into the season. As of Nov. 11, Burns said the state has sold 278,059 gun licenses. Sales are on par with the five-year average. Last year, more than 550,000 hunters bought gun deer licenses, which was down slightly from around 553,000 sold in 2024. Hunters registered 182,084 deer , down 1.5 percent from the five-year average.

Economic Impact and Safety Considerations

The annual season is a big boost to the state’s economy. A 2011 report found hunting generates an estimated $2.5 billion in state spending. As hunters take to the woods, hunting incidents have trended down over the last 10 years. The DNR’s Recreation Warden Renee Thok said the state had a total of 11 hunting incidents last year, one of which was fatal. A 24-year-old man died of an unintentional, self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest in Fond du Lac County on opening day of the gun deer season. This year, nine hunting incidents have occurred so far. Thok reminded hunters to follow the basic rules of firearm safety and inspect tree stands. She also advised them to wear blaze orange or fluorescent pink to remain visible. People who are doing outdoor activities in areas where they could encounter hunters should also wear high-visibility clothing.

Disease Monitoring and Carcass Disposal

The DNR is projecting hunters will submit around 17,000 samples to test deer for chronic wasting disease, or CWD, this year. First detected in Wisconsin in 2002, CWD now affects 64 counties with 57 that have had detections among wild or farm-raised deer. The DNR is especially interested in samples from central and northern Wisconsin. Erin Larson, the agency’s deer herd health specialist, urged hunters to submit samples through self-service kiosks or private businesses that are listed on the DNR’s website. Larson also urged people to properly dispose of deer carcasses using deer dumpsters, landfills, transfer stations or curbside pickup if offered by their municipalities. “Those recommendations are in place just to reduce the risk of bringing a positive carcass to a new location, where then it could introduce disease,” Larson said.

The agency previously noted there will be fewer deer dumpsters available this year due to budget constraints and asked hunters to review disposal options. Last month, the DNR reported the first positive detection of CWD in a wild deer in Marinette County near Peshtigo. The DNR has sampled over 356,000 deer since the agency began monitoring for the disease more than two decades ago. Of those sampled, around 16,800 deer have tested positive, mostly in the state’s southern farmland zone. In southeastern Wisconsin, the DNR has received around 2,400 reports of dead deer tied to the state’s largest outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease. The disease is spread by biting flies or midges and often fatal in deer. However, people aren’t at risk of being infected. The DNR hasn’t reduced harvest opportunities tied to the outbreak, which is largely centered in Washington County. Larson said it appears the outbreak is over due to colder temperatures, and the DNR is now conducting a more thorough review of data from suspected cases.

A Community Effort

The Deer Donation Program speaks to the heart of what makes communities like ours strong: a willingness to help our neighbors. In a time when families face increasing economic pressures, the simple act of donating a deer—something many hunters already do—becomes an even more meaningful contribution. The fact that this program has provided over 4 million pounds of venison since 2000 shows the profound impact that shared generosity can have.

Resources and Safety Reminders

Hunters interested in participating in the Deer Donation Program can find more information, including eligible deer guidelines and drop-off locations, on the Wisconsin DNR. Information regarding firearm safety and hunting regulations can also be found there. For those seeking food assistance, a list of local food pantries and resources is available through the Feeding America website. Hunters can find information about CWD testing and reporting on the DNR's DNR CWD page.

To ensure hunter safety, the DNR recommends reviewing firearm safety guidelines, inspecting tree stands, and wearing blaze orange or fluorescent pink clothing. Pet owners are also encouraged to outfit their animals in high-visibility clothing when in areas with hunters.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources continues to monitor deer populations, disease outbreaks like Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD), and other factors impacting the hunting season. With a mild effect on the deer population last winter, hunters can generally expect to see similar numbers of deer herds statewide as last year. The annual season itself remains a significant economic driver for the state, generating an estimated $2.5 billion in spending, according to a 2011 report.

The ongoing commitment to responsible hunting practices and disease management ensures that future generations can experience the joys and benefits of Wisconsin’s rich outdoor heritage. The Deer Donation Program stands as a testament to the power of community, demonstrating how shared resources and compassion can create a stronger, more resilient Wisconsin for all.