Deer in field

Game meat donations

Sign up to receive meat from wild game that are euthanized or poached

Wildlife, such as elk and deer, can cause property damage and economic hardship to ranchers and farmers when these animals graze on hay fields or crops. When a conflict occurs, especially within city limits or on private land, DWR employees will often respond and remove the wildlife.

To prevent this valuable food resource from going to waste, the DWR is offering to donate the unprocessed meat to individuals who sign up using the form below.

Some of the meat donated through this program also comes from wildlife that is poached and then seized by DWR conservation officers. An assessment is made to determine the condition of the animals, and DWR employees follow careful field dressing procedures to help ensure that the meat is properly handled before it is donated to members of the public.

All applicants should note that donated animals are only field dressed (i.e., only the entrails are removed) and will need to be processed when received. Donations can occur at any time, including the middle of the night. Recipients are typically selected on a first-come, first-served basis, but preference may be given to those closest to where the animal is available.

Only one applicant is allowed per household. Applicants will be removed from the list once they receive a donation, and they may reapply to the program after one year.

For more information about this program, contact your nearest DWR office.