During Delaware’s deer season, the Delaware Sportsmen Against Hunger program encourages hunters to share their harvest by donating venison to Delawareans in need. All donated deer are processed into ground venison free of charge to the hunter.

The meat is distributed to participating charitable groups. Please note, only deer harvested and registered in Delaware may be donated.

The Delaware Sportsmen Against Hunger chapter was formed in 1992 by a coalition of sporting groups, with DNREC as the primary sponsor. Since then, the program has provided more than 2 million meals to needy Delawareans.

The Delaware Sportsmen Against Hunger Program is supported through appropriations from Delaware’s General Assembly.

More Information

Please contact us for more information, including lists of charitable organizations that distribute processed venison, or to volunteer.

In Kent and New Castle Counties, contact Bill Jones, at 302.284.4795. In Sussex County, contact Rob Gano, at 302.539.3160.

Organizations wishing to receive donated venison can contact the Sportsmen Against Hunger program at 302.284.4795.

Donating Deer

Donated deer can be dropped off at participating private butcher shops as well as self-serve, walk-in coolers maintained by the Division of Fish & Wildlife.

Hunters donating deer at self-serve, walk-in coolers must call the phone number posted on the cooler so the deer can be transported for processing in a timely manner. All deer dropped off at a cooler must be field-dressed and registered by the hunter, with the registration number written on the field tag attached to the deer. Coolers are checked frequently, with donated deer taken to participating private butcher shops or the Sussex Correctional Institution’s deer butchering program for processing.

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