The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) encourage deer hunters around the state to share their harvests through the state’s “Share the Harvest” program. Deer season in Missouri started September 15 and runs through January 15, 2020. CFM also is holding a photo contest for those who share their harvests.

A news release says “Share the Harvest” coordinates the efforts of thousands of deer hunters, numerous participating meat processors, many local supporting organizations and statewide sponsors to help feed hungry Missourians.
The program works by deer hunters donating their extra venison — from several pounds to whole deer — to participating meat processors throughout the state who grind and package the deer meat. The packaged venison is then given to local food banks and food pantries for distribution to Missourians in need of food assistance.
Thousands of Missouri deer hunters donated more than 259,400 pounds of venison to the state’s “Share the Harvest” program last deer season, including 4,855 whole deer. Since the program began in 1992, Share the Harvest has provided more than 4 million pounds of lean, healthy venison to help feed hungry Missourians.
Processing fees are covered entirely or in part by numerous local sponsors, along with statewide sponsors. Hunters should contact individual processors to determine what funds are available. The cost of processing is the hunter’s responsibility when funds to help cover the full cost of processing are not available.
Find participating Share the Harvest processors online at mdc.mo.gov/share.
To get Share the Harvest venison, contact local food banks or food pantries.
New this year, CFM is holding a Share Your Harvest photo contest for those who share their harvests. Before donating a deer to “Share the Harvest,” take a picture and upload it to CFM’s website at confedmo.org/programs/outreach/share-the-harvest/ to be automatically entered into a contest for various prizes. The prize drawing will be held January 27, 2020.
Deer harvested within the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Management Zone may only be donated to approved processors participating in the “Share the Harvest” CWD Testing Program located within or directly adjacent to the CWD Management Zone. Find processors participating in the “Share the Harvest” CWD Testing Program online at mdc.mo.gov/cwd.

Photo provided by the Missouri Department of Conservation.