Hunters Against Hunger Montana’s Hunters Against Hunger program continues to turn donated wild game into a key protein source for families facing food insecurity across the state.

The partnership between Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the Montana Food Bank Network allows hunters to donate part or all of their legally harvested deer, elk or moose at participating meat processors at no cost. Donations from hunters cover the processing, and the prepared meat is distributed to food banks and pantries statewide.

The program began in 2014 and has grown steadily. State officials said the 2025 hunting season showed strong participation and financial support.

So far in 2025, 18,461 donors have contributed more than $112,000, with donations averaging just $6.11. Nonresident hunters made up about 27% of donors and provided nearly 35% of total funds, averaging $7.76 per contribution.

These funds help pay for processing at authorized facilities to ensure the meat is safely prepared for distribution through the Montana Food Bank Network.

2025 Participating Processors

ProcessorCityDonations Received by
406 Processing & TaxidermyGreat FallsGrace Home Veterans Center
Bag and Butcher Custom MeatsForsythBillings Family Service
Big Sky ButcherGlendiveDawson County Food Bank
C&C Meat ProcessingBabbFast Blackfeet
Chladek MeatsDeer LodgeDeer Lodge Food Pantry; Southwest Montana Veterans Food Pantry
Deemo’s MeatsEnnisWest Yellowstone Food Bank; Grace Community Fellowship
Diamond D Bar ProcessingGeraldineChouteau County Food Bank
Game on the GoGreat FallsSalvation Army Great Falls;
St. Vincent DePaul
Garrison MeatsGarrisonGranite County Food Pantry
Hamilton PackHamiltonHaven House; Pantry Partners
Hart’s Custom CuttingChoteauTeton County Food Bank
House of MeatsBlack EagleChouteau County Food Bank
Indian Rock Wild Game ProcessingAbsarokeeAbsarokee Area Food Bank; Project Hope
Judith Mountain MeatsLewistownCentral Montana Community Cupboard
Lolo LockerLoloMissoula Food Bank and Community Center
Mariah’s MeatsHarlowtonHarlowton Ministerial Association Food Bank
Matt’s Butcher Shop & DeliLivingstonLivingston Food Resource Center
Montana City MeatsMontana CityHelena Food Share
Montana Trophy MeatsCardwellHeadwaters Area Food Bank; Butte Native Wellness Center
North Valley Food BankWhitefishNorth Valley Food Bank
Pat’s Wild GameTrout CreekCommunity Services Fellowship; Community Harvest Food Bank
Pioneer MeatsBig TimberBig Timber Community Food Bank
Sportsman’s Wild Game ProcessingGreat FallsSt. Vincent De Paul
Tizer MeatsHelenaHelena Food Share
Treasure Trail Meat ProcessingGlasgowValley County Council on Aging
Up North MeatsShelbySagebrush Food Pantry
Valley View MeatsWhite Sulphur SpringsMeagher County Food Bank
Rawhide Ventures – Don DeGroftWhite Sulphur SpringsMeagher County Food Bank
Round Butte Custom CutsRonanCSKT Peoples Food Sovereignty Program
Yellowstone Meat ProcessingBozemanGallatin Valley Food Bank

For many food banks, high-quality protein is difficult and expensive to secure. Donated venison and other wild game provide a lean, nutritious option for families.

FWP thanked hunters who contributed meat or money, noting that the program shows how Montana’s hunting community supports both conservation and local families.

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For more information on the program, click HERE.

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