Oklahoma consistently ranks as one of the hungriest states in the nation. Through a cooperative agreement known as Hunters Against Hunger, several tons of venison is donated annually to food pantries statewide, providing thousands of nutritious meals.
Since 2002, more than 700,000 pounds of venison have been donated through the Hunters Against Hunger program. Administered by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, the program allows processed venison to be presented to food pantries within the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma network.
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“I am proud of Oklahoma’s deer hunters and processors who donate their time and resources. Together we can provide locally sourced, healthy, and nutritious protein to the Oklahomans who need it the most,” said Becky Rouner, coordinator for the Hunters Against Hunger program.
Legally harvested deer are taken to the nearest participating meat processor. Hunters are encouraged to donate $10 towards the processing of the deer, but this is voluntary. The processor grinds the meat into 2-pound packages, then picked up by local food pantries.
“Oklahoma hunters are extremely generous and we are so grateful for this partnership that has helped provide high-quality meat for our neighbors living with hunger,” said Stacy Dykstra, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank. “We are so grateful for our partners at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation as well as meat processors who are integral in getting much-needed protein to our partner pantries across Oklahoma.”
Participation by meat processors is key to the success of Hunters Against Hunger. With nearly 50 participating processors throughout the state, deer hunters have ample opportunity to donate venison. During the 2021-22 deer season, the following processors donated venison to their local food pantries.
- Homestead Meats & Processing, Coyle
- Fat Boys Deer Processing, Roff
- H&L Custom Processing, Coalgate
- Parkland Deer Processing, Agra
- Bill’s Custom Processing, Coalgate
- Claborn’s Processing, Ada
- Sallee’s, Guthrie
- Mixon Wild Game Processing, Atoka
- Ed’s Wild Game Processing, Marlow
- Lucky Day, Shawnee
- Nowlins Custom Processing, Sand Springs
- Tater Hills Deer Processing, Clayton
- Wild Country Meats, Cleveland
- Terry’s Taxidermy, Oklahoma City
- High’s Deer Processing, Fairland
- Sportsman’s Meat Block, Weatherford
- Market 54, Weatherford
If a processor would like to be involved or would like more information about the Hunters Against Hunger (HAH) program, contact the Wildlife Department at (405) 521-4660.
Photo by Kelly Bostian
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