HF3387

Purpose

• The bill changes the hunter-harvested venison donation program to allow deer hunters to donate their deer to charitable food assistance programs through a meat processor that is licensed under chapter 28A.
• It aims to support charitable food programs by increasing access to donated venison while ensuring proper processing and traceability.

Main Provisions

• A deer hunter who legally takes a deer may donate the deer to a meat processor licensed under chapter 28A, for distribution to charitable food assistance programs.
• The donor must provide the processor with the DNR license number under which the deer was taken.
• The donor must supply the processor with the entire deer carcass with the hide attached.
• The processor may process a portion of the deer carcass for the donor’s own use if the donor requests a portion and pays the processing cost for the portion requested.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Adds requirements for hunter-harvested deer donations:
  • Donation must go through a licensed meat processor and be distributed to charitable food programs.
  • Donor must supply the DNR license number and the entire carcass with the hide.
  • Donor can obtain a portion of the processed meat for personal use, but only if they request it and pay the processing costs.
• Clarifies the process is tied to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97B.303, updating how venison donations are handled and tracked.

Practical Implications

• Increases accountability and traceability by requiring the DNR number and full carcass delivery.
• Maintains safety and regulatory oversight by directing donations through licensed processors.
• Provides a mechanism for donors to receive a portion of processed meat if they cover processing costs.

Relevant Terms venison donations, deer, hunter-harvested, charitable food assistance programs, meat processor, licensed under chapter 28A, DNR number, deer carcass, hide, processing, donor, processing costs, Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97B.303