To help fight hunger statewide, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is raising reimbursement rates for local meat processors participating in its Deer Donation Program.
New Reimbursement Rates
Processors will now receive $125 per donated deer—up from $100—and $135 if Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) testing is required (up from $110). The DNR increased the rates to encourage more meat processors to join the effort ahead of the upcoming hunting season.
Since launching in 2000, the Deer Donation Program has funneled more than 100,000 donated deer—resulting in four million pounds of ground venison—to local food pantries.
“Dedicated participants drive the success of this program,” said Marcus Rufledt, DNR Deer Donation Program coordinator. “We value everyone who contributes, from the hunters in the field to the processors and community partners who host collection events.”
Recognizing Program Champions
The DNR is also highlighting several exceptional partners from recent seasons:
Joe’s Country Market (La Crosse): Processed 153 donated deer in 2025, yielding over 6,000 pounds of meat and providing 24,000 servings of venison to families in need.
Todd Morris (Green Lake County): Hosted donation events supporting the Green Lake County Food Pantry.
Patrick Kilbey & Mark Guderski (Marquette County): Organized collection events benefiting the Care and Share Food Bank.
Jeffrey Lang (Wyocena): Led donation drives for the Wyocena Community Helping Hands Pantry.
How to Get Involved
Meat Processors: Sign up using the DNR’s online processor form to start accepting donated deer.
Charities: Apply through the online food pantry form to receive ground venison distributions.
Community Hosts: Email Marcus Rufledt at [email protected] to coordinate a collection event in areas lacking a local processor.
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