Meat Processors in North Dakota
34 processors across 23 counties · 26 take custom orders · 16 handle wild game
Donate a deer in North Dakota: North Dakota Sportsmen Against Hunger
Take your deer to an approved processor and tell them it is for Sportsmen Against Hunger. Processing is covered by the program, so donating costs the hunter nothing. Community Action Partnership distributes the venison across North Dakota.
North Dakota Sportsmen Against Hunger — official program page · See all 16 participating shops
Browse by county
- Barnes (1)
- Benson (1)
- Bottineau (1)
- Bowman (1)
- Burleigh (2)
- Cass (5)
- Cavalier (1)
- Dickey (1)
- Eddy (1)
- Foster (1)
- Hettinger (1)
- LaMoure (1)
- McHenry (1)
- McLean (1)
- Mercer (1)
- Morton (4)
- Ramsey (1)
- Richland (2)
- Stutsman (2)
- Towner (1)
- Traill (2)
- Wells (1)
- Williams (1)
Common questions
- How much does deer processing cost in North Dakota?
North Dakota has 26 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, 16 North Dakota shops accept donated deer through North Dakota Sportsmen Against Hunger, 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 North Dakota?
Deer season dates in North Dakota are set each year by North Dakota Game and Fish, and they change from season to season. Check the North Dakota Game and Fish 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 North Dakota?
Yes. North Dakota runs North Dakota Sportsmen Against Hunger, 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.