The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced an increase to the reimbursement rate for meat processors participating in the state's Deer Donation Program, which helps stock food pantries and supports residents in need across the state.
Meat processors will now be reimbursed $125 per deer, up from $100, or $135 per deer if CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) testing was required, up from $110. The DNR said the increase is meant to encourage more meat processors to participate.
Since the program began in 2000, hunters have donated over 100,000 deer, which were processed into over 4 million pounds of ground venison. Joe's Country Market, a meat processor in La Crosse, processed 153 donated deer in 2025, yielding over 6,000 pounds of meat—approximately 24,000 servings for community members in need.