If you still want to hunt but are running out of room in your freezer, you have options that also support your community. Deer processors have been kept busy since the start of the deer hunting season because of the DNR’s Hunt for the Hungry program. Since the program began in 2000, hunters have donated over 100,000 deer, which have been processed into more than four million pounds of ground venison. The venison is then distributed to food pantries across the state.

While harvested venison helps fill kitchen tables across Wisconsin, deer hides can help send kids to camp. The Lions Clubs in Kewaunee, Washington Island, Forestville-Maplewood, and Brussels collect hides at six locations in Door and Kewaunee counties. The hides are sold to a company that uses them to make gloves and other products, with proceeds supporting various Lions Club projects. One of those projects is the Wisconsin Lions Camp in Rosholt, which provides a quality camp experience for youth and adults with disabilities.

Thanks to extended hunting seasons in Door and Kewaunee counties, you can donate to both efforts through early January.