LANSING, Mich. — With deer season underway, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding hunters and consumers to take care when choosing where to have deer processed, where to donate your harvested deer and where to buy farm-raised venison. Following state rules helps protect you and your loved ones from foodborne illness.
Know your processing options
In Michigan there are several legal avenues for processing and selling meats from deer, elk and other cervids. Choosing licensed processors — and preparing, cooking, and storing meat properly — reduces the risk of foodborne illness.
MDARD‑licensed processors These facilities can cut and wrap meat and make ground venison or sausage. With an additional MDARD variance and food establishment license, they can also produce value-added products like jerky or smoked meats. You can request to see a processor’s license at their facility to check their status.
Custom processors for personal use Hunters may use an unlicensed custom processor when venison is simply cut and wrapped. Unlicensed custom processors may also grind meat, provided no additional ingredients — such as fat or flavorings — are added. This meat must be labeled “Not for Sale” and kept for the hunter’s personal consumption. It can be shared with friends or family but not resold. Any additional processing — such as grinding with added fat, making sausage or smoking — must be done by an MDARD-licensed processor.
Know where to donate
Any hunters who fill their freezers early this season and would like to harvest an additional deer to help feed our neighbors in need are encouraged to donate it to Hunters Feeding Michigan. This DNR program makes a positive difference in communities across the state by connecting hunters, wild game processors and charities to help feed Michiganders who struggle with food insecurity.
Each deer donated — at no cost to the hunter — provides an estimated 160 high-protein, nutritious venison meals. Since 2005, hunters have donated 3.5 million servings of venison. For more on the program, visit the Hunters Feeding Michigan web page or contact Joe Presgove, Hunters Feeding Michigan program specialist.
Buy farm-raised venison from licensed sellers
Improperly handled meats can contain harmful bacteria, including E. coli, which can cause serious illness. To reduce risk, buy venison only from licensed and inspected facilities.
Farm-raised venison sold legally in Michigan must be:
Processed at licensed establishments
Sold through licensed retail or wholesale locations
Labeled as required under the Michigan Food Law
Labels should clearly list:
Ingredients
Product weight
The processor’s business name and contact information
A “Best by” date, when applicable
Avoid purchasing farm-raised venison from sellers who do not provide proper labels or ingredient lists. Seller food licenses are required to be posted in an easy-to-see location at the facility, or you can request to see it.
For more information, see MDARD’s venison processing guide for retail food establishments, and Michigan State University Extension’s handout on Handling, Using and Storing Venison. For general food safety tips and information, visit www.Michigan.gov/foodsafety.
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