Hunters Against Hunger: How hunters are helping their neighbors

The spirit of conservation and community runs deep in Montana, and a great example of this is Montana’s Hunters Against Hunger program. This partnership between Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the Montana Food Bank Network (MFBN) transforms the bounty of a successful hunt into high-quality protein for Montana families facing food insecurity. 

For more than a decade since its inception in 2014, the Hunters Against Hunger program has been a shining example of how hunters, both local residents and nonresidents, are actively contributing to the well-being of their communities. The program is simple yet powerful: hunters can donate a portion or all of their legally harvested big game, including deer, elk and moose, to participating meat processors free of charge. The cost of processing is covered by donations from hunters, and the game meat is then distributed directly to local food banks and pantries across the state. 

The 2025 hunting season demonstrated an extraordinary commitment from the hunting community. The collective efforts have resulted in a significant surge in both donor participation and financial contributions, ensuring more nutritious meals reach those in need. 

So far this year, 18,461 total donors contributed over $112,000. 

The average donation this year stands at $6.11 per donor. Nonresident hunters, who made up about 27 percent of all donors, provided nearly 35 percent of the total funds, averaging $7.76 per contribution. 

These monetary donations are crucial as they fund the processing of the donated game meat at authorized local meat processors, ensuring the meat is safely prepared and ready for distribution to MFBN’s network partners. 

For food banks, acquiring high-quality protein is often the most challenging and expensive part of stocking their shelves. The donated venison and other wild game are not just food, they are a lean, nutritious and highly valued resource for families. 

FWP appreciates all of the hunters who donated game or money to Hunters Against Hunger. The program is a powerful reminder that Montana’s hunting community is actively involved in caring for the land and its people. 

To learn more, visit mfbn.org/hunters-against-hunger.