Deer hunting has a hallowed place in Michigan’s culture. Going into the woods in the fall is a cherished tradition and bonding time for many in the state, across generations. In this area, schools often will have a day off for the opening of the gun deer season Nov. 15.

But the deer hunt has played another significant role in the state as well: Helping to feed those in need, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

The program Hunters Feeding Michigan — which connects hunters, wild game processors and charities — processed 140,000 pounds of donated venison during fiscal year 2025, which ended Sept. 30, the DNR reported in a news release.

That equates to more than 560,000 servings of venison for food pantries and other outlets, a new annual record for the program.

“Every year it seems like more hunters choose to donate their harvest to the program, which helps feed even more of our neighbors across the state,” Hunters Feeding Michigan program specialist Joe Presgrove said in the release. “I frequently receive calls and letters from the local food pantries thanking the program for providing much needed protein to their communities.”

The success of what Presgrove calls “such an amazing program” is largely due to the hunters who choose to donate their harvest, the individuals who donate money toward processing expenses, the hardworking processors, the Food Bank Council of Michigan and the Feeding America food distribution network.

Since 2007, the program has provided more than 3 million servings of protein-rich venison to those in need, according to the DNR.

In the release, the DNR urged outdoor recreationists, when purchasing their licenses or permits, to consider adding a monetary donation to Hunters Feeding Michigan as well. “Your contribution covers processing costs, turning donated deer into meals,” Presgrove said. “A donation of just $3 provides a venison meal for over four Michiganders.”

For more information about the program, go to Michigan.gov/HuntersFeedingMichigan.

To those who have contributed in any way to Hunters Feeding Michigan, your help is much appreciated.

Good luck in the hunt this year.