We’re in the middle of the deer bow hunting season right now.

Some hunters have donated their deer to local meat packaging plants to they can be processed and given to local food pantries.

The Hunger Task Force gets 8 to 10,000 lbs of venison a year.

That meat goes to 47-area food pantries throughout La Crosse and in Vernon County.

“Meat items are really important for clients and food pantries and meal sites," says La Crosse Hunger Task Force Executive Director Shelly Krause. "It’s a basic part of their diet. It’s very, very important and it’s just things that they aren’t able to purchase themselves because of how expensive it is.”

Craig’s Meats in Mindoro, Wisconsin will process your deer for free as a part of the Hunters for the Hungry program

To be eligible for donation, the whole deer has to be dropped off, the deer has to be shot in wisconsin, and you can’t remove any of the meat.

If you would like to donate your deer for the Hunters for the Hungry program, go to www.craigsmeats.com for more information.