The North Carolina Hunters For Hungry voluntary exchange program is available to licensed hunters and residents of North Carolina from September 10 through April 1. Hunters and recipients can search a database with contact information for interested parties in their county. The parties will contact each other and work out the details for the transfer. Please note that in the state of North Carolina it is illegal to provide harvested animals in exchange for money or bartered services.
Hunters For Hungry is designed to accommodate the additional harvest of animals. Hunters who have filled their freezers may still bag a deer and provide a valued contribution to the community by donating excess venison. Registration is free and simple to use.
Other benefits of the program are:
-Supplying an organic source of protein to the hungry.
-Increasing communication between hunters and non-hunters.
-Increasing hunter recruitment, development, retention and awareness.
Hunters For Hungry is not responsible for the quality of venison or the failure of the donor or recipient to follow through with the transfer. However, Hunters For Hungry will provide NC Wildlife authorized transfer cards online. Hunters are responsible for properly field dressing and reporting harvest prior to making the exchange. Click here for information on North Carolina Big Game Harvest Reporting or call 1-800-I-GOT-ONE (1-800-446-8663).
When transferring game animals, the hunter must provide the recipient with a completed Hunters For Hungry Transfer Card.
For more information send an e-mail to
support@harvestforhungry.comHunting for a greater cause.
http://www.huntersforhungry.com./NC/Home.html
Frequently Asked Questions:How do I sign up for the program?
Click Register.
Is there a limit to the amount of venison I can receive?
No. There is no limit to the amount of venison you can receive as a recipient in this program.
Is my personal information protected?
All information provided is accessible to the public.
Why deer? Hunting was found to be the only cost effective method or controlling and maintaining stable deer population. NC Animal Related Crash Report
How do I remove my name from the list?
Send an e-mail to
support@huntersforhungry.com.
Who delivers the deer?
The Donor (Hunter) would normally deliver the deer, but participants can make other arrangements.
How can I tell if the deer is safe to eat?
This is up to the recipient to determine. Ask the hunter when the deer was harvested and what care was given to ensure quality. Examine the carcass. Is it clean and dry? Examine the carcass and smell the body cavity. If it smells spoiled, don't accept it. Carcasses that are dry and properly cooled can keep for several days if night time temperatures are below 40 and the carcass is kept in the shade.
What does field dressed mean?
The carcass has been gutted. All internal organs between the throat and tail have been removed.
Watch as a deer is field dressed.
How does a person process a deer at home?
If you haven't done it before, you should have someone show you or check out our reference material on this site. At a minimum, you need a sharp knife, sharpener, running water, cutting board, plastic freezer bags, and a freezer.
Watch as a deer is skinned.
Watch as a deer is de-boned.
Can I hire someone to process the deer for me?
Yes. See the Deer Processor List.
How much does it cost to process a deer?
As little as $50-$75 dollars for ground and wrapped meat. Substantially more if you have it processed into jerky and sausage.
How much meat can I expect to get from a deer?
Expect about 40 percent of field dressed weight or 40-50 pounds on an average deer.
How do I cook venison?
Check out the recipe page. Venison steaks are best cooked medium or medium rare. Overdone meat gets dry and tough. Ground meat works well for most burger recipes. However, venison is lean and does not stick together very well.
How long can I keep venison?
It is best to consume the venison within a year. Improperly wrapped meat may freezer burn within a few months. Legally venison can be kept up to 18 months.
Responsibilities of the Donor?
Make a clean, one shot kill. Field dress and cool the deer immediately. Remove all internal organs, including the windpipe. Keep it clean. Explain to the recipient the care you took with the carcass. Fill out Hunters For Hungry Transfer Tag and give it to the recipient of your deer.
Responsibilities of the Recipient?
Inspect the carcass before accepting it. You may refuse to accept the carcass if you feel it has not been properly cared for. Properly care for the meat. Keep the Custody Tag until you have used all the venison.
Do I need a permit?
The hunter needs a deer permit. The recipient needs the Hunters For Hungry Transfer Tag.
How many deer can I get?
There is no limit to the number you can receive through the Deer Exchange.
Can I sell the carcass?
NO. It is illegal to sell venison.
What is wanton waste?
Allowing a deer carcass to spoil through neglect or carelessness is wanton waste.
Can I list animals other than deer?
Not at this time. This feature may be added in the future.
How do I dispose of the bones?
Generally in household trash. Check with your refuse contractor. It is illegal to dump carcass remains in ditches, streams or anywhere you do not have permission.
What should I do about lead in venison?
Generously cut away and discard the portion of meat where the bullet traveled that may contain lead.
When will hunters have surplus deer to donate?
In North Carolina the season is from Sept. 10 - Jan. 2.
