The Missouri Department of Conservation and Conservation Federation of Missouri are encouraging deer hunters to share their harvests by donating venison to the Share the Harvest program. The donated venison goes to local food banks and food pantries to help feed hungry Missourians all around the state.
The Share the Harvest program has provided more than 6 million pounds of lean, healthy venison to help feed hungry Missourians since it was started in 1992.
Missouri’s deer season opened with archery hunting on September 15th and runs through the close of archery season on January 15th, with several firearms portions happening during that time. Hunters can donate venison at any time during or right after the season.
Donating is easy. Simply take harvested deer to an approved meat processor and let the processor know how much venison to donate. Meat-processing fees are covered entirely or in part by numerous local sponsors, along with statewide sponsors. Find STH processors at mdc.mo.gov/share.