AMCD's Hunter Harvest Program benefits the communities of Lower Northeast Michigan
In a pioneering effort to connect the residents of Lower Northeast Michigan with fresh venison harvested locally, Alpena-Montmorency Conservation District (AMCD) is working with a small group of local donors and receivers to aid food salvage efforts like the DNR’s Hunters Feeding Michigan program. Venison donated to our program will be processed locally, instead of being sent downstate for redistribution in food banks there. We want to help local people to have access to deer harvested in this area.
Starting in October 2026, the Hunter Harvest Program will benefit the human community by providing fresh venison meat to residents at a cost lower than most other meats available in grocery stores. Because deer munch, or "browse" extensively on crops and young saplings that would otherwise contribute to agricultural yields and more local biodiversity, the ecosystems, farms, and habitats of Lower Northeast Michigan will benefit from decreasing deer herds. Populations of white-tailed deer were formerly kept in check by natural predators such as wolves, but the absence of such predation over the last century or more has led to overpopulation of deer in our region.
Hunters and farmers who donate and residents of Alpena and Montmorency counties who receive donated venison can be proud they are benefiting their neighbors and their local ecosystems, along with helping reduce the number of deer / vehicle collisions! All receivers must register with AMCD to participate in this program. Donors may simply bring their mature antlerless deer to our processors - see locations below.
we are now accepting sign-ups for receivers.
Once you complete and return your signed agreement, you will be registered for the Hunter Harvest program.
do you want to donate deer for your neighbors this season?
Please bring your donation of mature, antlerless deer to our processors:
M-32 Processing
4626 M-32
Atlanta, MI 49709
Open Mon - Sat 9:00 - 5:00
Northern Deer & Livestock
230 Progress St
Hillman, MI 49746
Open Mon - Fri 8:00 - 5:00
Sat & Sun 9:00 - 12:00
amcd thanks the community foundation of northeast michigan (CFNEM) for their generous support of the hunter harvest program!
PUBLIC HUNTING ACCESS IS AVAILABLE on several private properties in Alpena and Montmorency Counties. For more information and locations, please see our Hunting Access Program (HAP) page.
FREE antlerless deer tags are available for a limited time at Clem’s Bait & Tackle at 304 N Ninth Ave in Alpena starting Monday, October 26, 2026.
amcd thanks the great lakes chapter of dallas safari club for their generous donation of antlerless deer tags!
do you want to pay for proessing only and receive fresh venison?
Our processors have agreed to cut each deer to order and charge a flat rate of $135 for processing service.
Sign up to receive fresh locally harvested venison through the Hunter Harvest program by completing the form:
Please contact AMCD Communications Associate Emily Frechette at emily.frechette@macd.org or 989-590-6649 with any questions.