DNR Encourages Deer Donation News | October 30, 2025 | 0 | by Morgan McCarthy The state’s Department of Natural Resources is encouraging hunters to donate legally harvested Wisconsin deer to its Deer Donation Program. The request comes as the department combats rising food-pantry demand. Hunters must field-dress, register, and in some counties have the deer tested for chronic wasting disease before drop-off. DNR officials emphasize minimizing lead exposure by using non-lead ammunition. The program has provided over 100-thousand deer since it began in 2000.