MassWildlife’s Hunters Share the Harvest program provides an outlet for hunters to donate venison to Massachusetts residents facing food insecurity. Since the program’s inception, more than 100,000 meals have been distributed to families in need.

How to Donate Your Deer

The Nantucket Land Bank Agricultural Processing Center accepts whole and field dressed deer Monday through Saturday (8am-6:00pm) and Sunday (8am-12pm).

For inclusion in the program deer must be: 

• Recovered and field dressed within 4 hours after shot unless the ambient air temperature stays below 37°F.
• Dropped off whole and field dressed to a participating processor within 24 hours after shot
• Legally reported and tagged with a confirmation number.

Nantucket Agricultural Processing Center Drop Off Instructions:

• Call or text 508-221-9574 prior to arrival.
• Bring your deer to the west entrance of the 19 Boynton Lane between 8am – 6:00pm Monday-Saturday and 8am – 12pm on Sunday.

New this year: Hunters can choose from two options!

Unlock generous incentives from Nantucket Conservation Foundation, MassWildlife, and ACKDeer when you donate a whole deer, or choose the backstrap return option where you can receive the backstraps back after processing at no cost.

Click the images below for more information about these incentives.

Backstrap Return Option

Fill out a backstrap return form at drop off. Processing staff will remove and package the backstraps from your deer at no cost. You will receive a call when the backstraps are ready, in-person pick up required. Expect a 5-day turnaround time. The remaining venison will be donated through MassWildlife’s HSH. Please note: Hunters who choose the backstrap return option are not eligible for whole deer donation incentives.

For more information, please click here.