Texas is home to about 3.6 million white-tailed deer, with South Texas holding the largest population in the United States. This expanding population has detrimental effects on the abundance and diversity of vegetation and wildlife. In an effort to re-balance the ecosystem and avoid further loss of biodiversity, large deer culling is issued. The venison from these culling has the ability to feed thousands of individuals through the Hunters for the Hungry program.
Through the program, hunters can drop off legally tagged, field-dressed deer with participating meat processors. The partner processors prepare the venison for distribution through local food banks.
Hunters, here’s how you can help:
- Bring your legally tagged, field-dressed deer to a participating meat processor. There is no cost to you!
- When you purchase your Texas hunting license, choose the option to donate to Hunters for the Hungry. Your donation supports meat processing fees.
Processors, here’s how you can help:
Once registered as a participating processor with the San Antonio Food Bank you will be advertised on our website and in promotional materials. Prior to each hunting season, partner processors will receive donation receipts, two-pound chub packs for donated venison, and promotional materials. Processors are reimbursed at a market rate that is negotiated in an annual Hunters for the Hungry agreement with the Food Bank.
Click here for a complete list of processors.