GFB News Magazine

Hunters for Hungry accept deer taken under crop damage permits

by Staff reports

Posted on May 28, 2025 10:59 AM

Farmers who shoot deer eating their crops under a crop damage permit issued by the Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are encouraged to donate the deer to the Georgia Hunters for the Hungry (GHFTH) program. There are 23 deer processors across Georgia that farmers may contact to drop off or have the processor pick up deer harvested under the permit.  

The venison will be donated to food banks in the farmer’s community. Each donated pound of venison will provide four servings of protein. Visit https://gwf.org/ghfth/ or call 770-787-7887 for more information.

GHFTH, administered by the Georgia Wildlife Federation, has been providing high quality protein to the needy since 1993. During deer season, hunters donate deer they harvest to participating processors at no charge. The processor packages the venison by the pound and distributes the meat to the needy in their community. Processors work with food banks, civic or religious organizations to coordinate dispersal.

Last year, the General Assembly appropriated $300,000 to pay processors $2.50/lb to process deer with the goal of recruiting 50 processors statewide and distributing 120,000 pounds of venison during the 2024-2025 hunting season. 

To find a processor participating in the GHFTH program, visit  https://gwf.org/ghfth/. Processors who would like to participate can find an application at the same website.

How to secure a crop damage permit

Farmers can secure crop damage/depredation permits from the DNR to harvest deer from spring through the growing season. Visit www.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com to apply for a permit in the licenses/permits section. Applications must be made online because applicants must pin the fields they will hunt using a GPS feature. Call 1-800-366-2661 for help with the application. 

Farmers may request permits before planting to begin managing nuisance as soon as crops are planted. Antlered deer can be added to permits on request, and permittees can include up to six people to serve as assistants.