RESOURCES

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

The DNR manages the deer herd in the state. For questions about rules and regulations, contact staff at the wildlife office near you.

Lou Cornicelli, coordinator of the big game division, is a member of the venison donation team and is working on funding for the program. If you, or an organization you work with, would consider helping with the costs of processing donated deer, contact him at: lou.cornicelli@dnr.state.mn.us

   
   

Minnesota Department of Agriculture
MDA, Meat Inspection Division, is in charge of licensing and making certain meat is processed correctly. A fact sheet has been developed for meat processors interested in being certified for the program. Nicole Neeser is program manager for meat inspection and part of the team working with the Venison Donation Policy; you can contact her at:
nicole.neeser@state.mn.us

 

   
   

Cooking and Handling Instructions for Venison
Venison is a dry meat and has specific requirements for storing and cooking. A short, two-page, instruction sheet with recipes can be accessed by clicking here.
Food shelf staff should distribute this document to anyone receiving venison for the first time. Additional information is provided in the factsheet for foodshelves.

In addition, the University of Minnesota Extension Service website has many more recipes and cooking/handling tips.