Meat Processors in Missouri
373 processors across 104 counties · 215 take custom orders · 76 handle wild game
Donate a deer in Missouri: Share the Harvest
Take your deer to an approved processor and tell them how much venison you want to donate — the whole deer or part of it. Sponsors help cover processing costs, so donating is low- or no-cost to you. The venison goes to Missouri food banks and local pantries.
Share the Harvest — official program page · See all 75 participating shops
Browse by county
- Adair (2)
- Andrew (1)
- Audrain (5)
- Barry (9)
- Barton (2)
- Bates (3)
- Benton (2)
- Bollinger (2)
- Boone (8)
- Buchanan (4)
- Butler (6)
- Caldwell (1)
- Callaway (5)
- Camden (3)
- Cape Girardeau (2)
- Carroll (1)
- Carter (1)
- Cass (2)
- Cedar (3)
- Chariton (1)
- Christian (3)
- City of St. Louis (3)
- Clark (3)
- Clay (2)
- Clinton (4)
- Cole (1)
- Cooper (1)
- Crawford (4)
- Dade (3)
- Dallas (4)
- Daviess (8)
- DeKalb (1)
- Dent (1)
- Franklin (9)
- Gasconade (5)
- Gentry (2)
- Greene (4)
- Grundy (1)
- Harrison (4)
- Henry (3)
- Hickory (1)
- Howard (2)
- Howell (1)
- Iron (1)
- Jackson (11)
- Jasper (8)
- Jefferson (4)
- Johnson (2)
- Knox (2)
- Laclede (3)
- Lafayette (4)
- Lawrence (6)
- Lewis (3)
- Lincoln (2)
- Linn (7)
- Livingston (4)
- Macon (5)
- Madison (5)
- Maries (4)
- Marion (3)
- McDonald (6)
- Mercer (2)
- Miller (1)
- Moniteau (4)
- Monroe (2)
- Montgomery (2)
- Morgan (3)
- Newton (6)
- Nodaway (4)
- Oregon (1)
- Osage (8)
- Perry (3)
- Pettis (5)
- Phelps (1)
- Pike (4)
- Platte (1)
- Polk (3)
- Putnam (1)
- Ralls (4)
- Randolph (3)
- Ripley (1)
- Saline (2)
- Schuyler (3)
- Scotland (3)
- Scott (2)
- Shannon (1)
- Shelby (1)
- St. Charles (4)
- St. Clair (3)
- St. Francois (4)
- St. Louis (18)
- St. Louis city (22)
- Ste. Genevieve (4)
- Stoddard (4)
- Stone (1)
- Sullivan (2)
- Taney (1)
- Texas (5)
- Vernon (2)
- Warren (3)
- Washington (3)
- Wayne (2)
- Webster (7)
- Wright (4)
Common questions
- How much does deer processing cost in Missouri?
Missouri has 236 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, 75 Missouri shops accept donated deer through Share the Harvest, 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 Missouri?
Deer season dates in Missouri are set each year by Missouri Department of Conservation, and they change from season to season. Check the Missouri Department of Conservation 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 Missouri?
Yes. Missouri runs Share the Harvest, 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.