Nebraska Hunters Donate Deer to Feed Families

Eight Nebraska meat processors are taking part in the Hunters Helping the Hungry program this year.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Hunting

Nebraska Hunters Donate Deer to Feed Families

Live Poll

Would you be willing to donate money to a program that feeds people in need?

Hunters across Nebraska can donate whole field-dressed deer to the Hunters Helping the Hungry program at eight processor locations this year. Processors charge hunters nothing for the donated deer, which is turned into ground venison for Nebraskans in need.

Why it matters

The program converts harvested deer into food for people facing hunger without costing hunters processing fees. Funding comes only from tax-deductible contributions, so donations and cash gifts directly support the effort.

Eight processors in Amherst, Elmwood, Lindsay, Norfolk, North Platte, Plattsmouth, Table Rock and Wahoo are accepting donated deer this year. Each dollar donated provides two meals of ground venison, and more than 900,000 meals have been distributed since the program began.

The players

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

The state agency that manages wildlife, fishing and outdoor recreation in Nebraska and seeks cash donations for the HHH program.

Belschner Custom Meats

A custom meat processor in Amherst, Nebraska, that is one of the participating locations accepting donated deer.

The details

Hunters may donate whole field-dressed deer at participating processors and keep the antlers, head and cape. Processors accept only whole deer in good condition to ensure a good yield of pure ground venison, and hunters should first talk with processors before donating.

2012: The Nebraska Legislature creates the Hunters Helping the Hungry program.
2026: Eight processors take part in the program this year.

Culture Shift

The program was created by the Nebraska Legislature in 2012 and continues to rely on hunters donating harvested deer rather than public appropriations. Its ongoing operation shows how a state-authorized charitable model can channel recreational hunting into hunger relief.

Hunters can donate whole deer at participating processors and avoid processing costs, which lowers the expense of a successful hunt. Anyone can also support the program with a tax-deductible cash donation, where each dollar provides two meals.

The takeaway

Hunters who harvest more deer than they need can turn that meat into meals for families in Nebraska. Calling a participating processor ahead of time helps ensure a smooth and useful donation.