As hunting season begins across Kentucky, local organizations are encouraging hunters to support families in need by donating harvested deer at no cost. Through the Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry (KHFH) program, hunters can donate legally tagged deer to approved processors, with the meat distributed to families through Feeding America’s partner food pantries.
Every deer helps provide valuable protein to households facing food insecurity — and the donation process is simple.
How to Donate Through KHFH
Step 1: Use a legal buck or doe tag. KHFH covers processing fees at approved processors.
Step 2: Field dress, record, and telecheck your deer at 1-800-245-4263. Treat the deer as if it were for your own family. If temperatures exceed 40°F, place two large bags of ice inside the body cavity to prevent spoilage.
Step 3: Drop off the whole deer with hide on at a KHFH-approved processor. Call ahead to confirm hours.
Step 4: Sign the donation log form provided by the processor.
Step 5: Let the program know you donated by emailing [email protected]. You will then receive a free donor sticker.
Hunters can view processors and program details online and are encouraged to share with friends who hunt. Participation costs nothing more than a tag, time, and gas — and can help put food on the table for families across the state.
Though, theres also another local option. Donate through Micah Seaver in Water Valley
For more than 12 years, local resident Micah Seaver has accepted deer donations at his site in Water Valley, butchering and packaging them for local families in need. To date, over 91,000 pounds of venison have been donated.
Drop-Off Location:
15282 State Route 45 South
Water Valley, KY 42085
Requirements:
Must be a whole, fully gutted deer (no cuts or missing pieces)
Tag must be secured
If keeping the rack or head, remove it before drop-off
Leave the deer in front of the shop and text 270-970-4107 with your name, the tag, and a photo
Once processed, meat is stored and distributed on select days. Seaver notes they also accept donations of 2-gallon Ziploc bags, knives, bleach, gloves (L or XL), soap, and sharpeners.
No Tennessee deer are accepted unless fully deboned, due to CWD regulations.
Hunters who want to process their own deer but need help accessing meat can also text “whole deer” to Seaver and get notified when donations are available.
As food prices rise nationwide, organizers say programs like KHFH and Seaver’s operation offer a critical source of nourishment for struggling households.
Hunters looking to make a difference this season are encouraged to donate — because one deer can feed multiple families.
