The Illinois Deer Donation Program returns for its third donation season as “Hunters Feeding Illinois.” The name change reflects an expanded partnership among Feeding Illinois, Southern Illinois Food Pantry Network, and the University of Illinois Extension.
Hunters Feeding Illinois has the same mission; to connect hunters, meat processors, and food pantries and support access to lean protein for Illinois residents and families. The expanded partnership covers 16 counties in east-central Illinois and 16 counties in southern Illinois including DeWitt, Effingham, Fayette, Macon, Moultrie, and Shelby Counties.
Like in previous years, hunters can donate whole harvested deer at no cost. Partnering meat processors are prepared to accept donated deer with the start of deer hunting season in October. Because processing volume increases throughout the season, hunters are encouraged to call in advance to confirm they have slots to accept deer. Processors have a select number of slots for donated deer, which becomes limited as the season continues.
Partnering Meat Processors in East-Central territory
• River Bend Wild Game & Sausage Company in St. Joseph
• Moweaqua Packing Plant in Moweaqua
• Connelly Locker in Martinsville
• Oconee Chop Shop in Oconee
• Howe's Custom Deer Processing in Cowden
• Windy Ridge Processing in Shobonier
• Blair's Slaughtering and Processing in Louisville
• Salt and Strings in Louisville
Partnering Meat Processors in Southern territory
• R & M Meat Processing in Ellis Grove
• Birkner's Processing in McLeansboro
• Sanchez Meat Processing in DuQuoin
• Shirley Farms Deer Processing in DeSoto
• Triple C Meats in Anna
• R & R Deer Processing in Vienna
