Program helping Michiganders in need thanks to donors, processors, Food Bank Council of Michigan.



Share or view as webpage [ [link removed] ]  |  Update preferences [ [link removed] ]


DNR banner with link to website [ [link removed] ]
"DNR News"



"*CORRECTION:* A DNR release issued earlier Thursday referenced fiscal year 2024 when it should have referenced fiscal year 2025. The full, corrected release follows. We apologize for any inconvenience."

________________________________________________________________________



Oct. 9, 2025

Contact: Joe Presgrove <[email protected]>, 517-643-3809

*Hunters Feeding Michigan helping those in need, with new record for donated venison *

plates of venison burritos at Grace Centers of Hope

Hunters Feeding Michigan – a Michigan Department of Natural Resources program connecting donors, wild game processors and charities to help feed those in need – processed 140,000 pounds of donated venison during fiscal year 2025, which ended Sept. 30.

That equates to more than 560,000 servings of venison and sets a new annual record for the program, which allows hunters to share their harvest by donating deer at participating processors and helps distribute venison donations across Michigan.

“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.”

The success of what Presgrove calls “such an amazing program” is largely due to the hunters who choose to donate their harvest, the individuals who donate money toward processing expenses, the hardworking, dedicated processors, and the Food Bank Council of Michigan and the Feeding America food distribution network.

Since 2007, the program has provided more than 3 million servings of protein-rich venison to those in need.


Screenshot of Hunters Feeding Michigan donation question in eLicense

The DNR urges outdoor recreationists, when purchasing their licenses or permits, to consider adding a monetary donation to Hunters Feeding Michigan.

“Your contribution covers processing costs, turning donated deer into meals,” Presgrove said. “A donation of just $3 provides a venison meal for over four Michiganders!”

For more information about the program, visit Michigan.gov/HuntersFeedingMichigan [ [link removed] ].

________________________________________________________________________



*Note to editors:* Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.


* Venison dish [ [link removed] ]: In fiscal year 2025, Hunters Feeding Michigan provided a record 560,000 servings of donated venison to help feed those in need across the state.
* Donation question [ [link removed] ]: Hunters can add a a monetary donation to Hunters Feeding Michigan when purchasing their licenses or permits. 

 


X icon circle [ [link removed] ]facebook icon circle [ [link removed] ]YouTube icon circle [ [link removed] ]instagram icon [ [link removed] ]pinterest icon circle [ [link removed] ]email icon circle [ [link removed] ]Bluesky icon [ [link removed] ]




If you wish to no longer receive emails from the DNR,
please update your preferences here:
Manage Preferences [ [link removed]? ]  |  Unsubscribe All [ [link removed] ]  |  Help [ [link removed] ]

Need further assistance?
Contact Us [ [link removed] ]  |  Provide Feedback <[email protected]>

Visit us on our website: Michigan.gov/DNR [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Michigan Department of Natural Resources · Deborah A. Stabenow Building, 525 W. Allegan St., PO Box 30028 Lansing MI 48909 · 1-800-439-1420