Ohio Hunters Can Turn Deer Harvests Into 160 Meals for Families in Need

The Ohio Division of Wildlife is once again inviting hunters to donate harvested deer to help feed families across the state. One donated deer can provide up to 160 meals for Ohioans facing food insecurity.

Deer Donation Days will take place:

• December 1 & 2 from 8 AM to 8 PM

• December 6 & 7 from 12 PM to 6 PM

Hunters may drop off their legally harvested and properly tagged deer at participating locations listed by the Division of Wildlife. Staff will be on-site to assist, and there is no processing fee. All costs are covered through a partnership with Ohio Penal Industries.

The processed venison will be distributed to local food programs, helping ensure families have access to high-quality protein during the winter months.

To donate, hunters must have:

• A valid either-sex or deer management permit

• A deer that has been game checked before drop-off

Donation Sites Include:

• Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area – Harpster

• Delaware Wildlife Area Shooting Range – Ashley

• Big Island Wildlife Area – New Bloomington

• Hebron Fish Hatchery – Hebron

• Knox County Sheriff’s Office – Mt. Vernon

Full details, including exact addresses and drop-off instructions, are available on the Division of Wildlife website or by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543).

The Division encourages all hunters to consider donating this season, saying “Together, we can make a difference one harvest at a time.”