The Missouri Department of Conservation and the Conservation Federation of Missouri are encouraging hunters to help fight hunger this season through the state’s Share the Harvest program.
The long-running initiative allows hunters to donate processed venison to local food banks and pantries across Missouri, providing lean, high-quality protein to families in need. Since its launch in 1992, the program has supplied more than 6 million pounds of deer meat to hungry Missourians.
“Missouri hunters have always stepped up to make a difference,” said Conservation Federation Executive Director Tyler Schwartze. “Through Share the Harvest, they’re helping feed families in need and showing what true conservation stewardship looks like. Conservation in Missouri is about caring for both people and wildlife, and this program is a prime example of how our hunters step up to help their neighbors in need.”
Hunters can donate at any time during deer season, which opened Sept. 15 and runs through Jan. 15, 2026. The process is simple: take the harvested deer to a participating meat processor and indicate how much meat to donate. Processing fees are fully or partially covered by local and statewide sponsors. A list of approved processors is available at mdc.mo.gov/share.
Deer harvested in Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone counties must test negative for CWD before the meat can be distributed. Hunters can find more information about testing and management zones at mdc.mo.gov/cwd.
“Many Missourians don’t have access to good sources of protein,” said MDC’s Jake Hindman. “Through Share the Harvest, Missouri hunters can help provide their fellow Missourians in need with high-quality protein in the form of naturally lean, locally harvested deer meat.”
More details about the program can be found in the 2025 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet or online at mdc.mo.gov/share.
