Meat Processors in Illinois
365 processors across 61 counties · 57 take custom orders · 28 handle wild game
Donate a deer in Illinois: Hunters Feeding Illinois
Bring a whole field-dressed deer to a partnering processor and tell them it's for Hunters Feeding Illinois — no deboned or partial deer. Processing is free to the hunter, and you can keep the antlers or cape. The venison goes to local food pantries; the program currently serves 48 Illinois counties.
Hunters Feeding Illinois — official program page · See all 26 participating shops
Browse by county
- Adams (1)
- Bond (1)
- Bureau (1)
- Carroll (2)
- Cass (1)
- Champaign (5)
- Clark (2)
- Clay (3)
- Clinton (3)
- Coles (1)
- Cook (183)
- DeKalb (3)
- Douglas (2)
- DuPage (27)
- Edwards (1)
- Fayette (1)
- Ford (1)
- Fulton (2)
- Grundy (4)
- Hamilton (1)
- Hancock (1)
- Henry (1)
- Iroquois (1)
- Jackson (1)
- Jo Daviess (1)
- Kane (13)
- Kankakee (3)
- Kendall (1)
- Knox (3)
- Lake (13)
- LaSalle (3)
- Lawrence (3)
- Livingston (6)
- Macon (1)
- Macoupin (1)
- Madison (3)
- Marshall (1)
- McHenry (5)
- McLean (2)
- Montgomery (1)
- Moultrie (1)
- Ogle (3)
- Peoria (4)
- Perry (1)
- Pike (2)
- Randolph (2)
- Rock Island (4)
- Sangamon (5)
- Schuyler (1)
- Shelby (3)
- St. Clair (6)
- Stephenson (2)
- Tazewell (2)
- Union (2)
- Warren (2)
- Washington (1)
- Wayne (1)
- White (1)
- Will (8)
- Winnebago (3)
- Woodford (2)
Common questions
- How much does deer processing cost in Illinois?
Illinois has 58 confirmed custom processors listed here, and each shop sets its own price. For the 2025-2026 season, basic deer processing (skinning, cutting, grinding, wrapping) typically runs $100 to $150 at most Midwest shops, with the full national range roughly $75 to $250. Some processors charge per pound instead, commonly around $3.50 per pound of finished meat with minimums near $180. Specialty products cost extra: summer sausage and brats often add $50 to $100, jerky $30 to $75. Vacuum sealing usually costs more than paper wrap. Prices vary by shop, so call ahead and ask what's included. If cost is the deciding factor, 26 Illinois shops accept donated deer through Hunters Feeding Illinois, and that processing is free to the hunter.
Prices as of the 2025-2026 season. More on deer processing cost.
- How long does deer processing take?
Most shops run 2 to 3 weeks during the season, longer at peak (November). Popular lockers book out weeks ahead, and some stop taking deer when full. Call before you drive.
- When is deer season in Illinois?
Deer season dates in Illinois are set each year by Illinois DNR, and they change from season to season. Check the Illinois DNR deer page for the current archery, firearm, and muzzleloader dates before you plan a hunt.
- What do USDA inspected, state inspected, and custom exempt mean?
USDA inspected means a federal inspector is in the plant and the meat can be sold across state lines. State inspected means the state program inspects the plant and the meat can be sold inside that state. Custom exempt means the shop processes your own animal for you, and the meat comes back marked Not for Sale. Most small town lockers are custom exempt. How listings work.
- Can I donate a deer in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois runs Hunters Feeding Illinois, where hunters can donate a deer and the venison goes to food pantries. Take the deer to a participating processor and tell them it is a donation. Rules and cut-off dates vary, so read the program page first.