Meat Processors in Nebraska
104 processors across 41 counties · 35 take custom orders · 11 handle wild game
Donate a deer in Nebraska: Hunters Helping the Hungry
Take a whole field-dressed deer to a participating processor — the deer must be taken on a Nebraska permit and Telechecked first. Processing is free to the hunter, paid by the program, and you may keep the antlers, head and cape. The venison goes to Nebraska food pantries.
Hunters Helping the Hungry — official program page · See all 10 participating shops
Browse by county
- Adams (3)
- Boone (1)
- Brown (1)
- Buffalo (3)
- Butler (1)
- Cass (2)
- Cedar (1)
- Clay (1)
- Colfax (2)
- Cuming (2)
- Dakota (2)
- Dawson (1)
- Dixon (4)
- Dodge (6)
- Douglas (21)
- Furnas (1)
- Gage (1)
- Gosper (1)
- Hall (3)
- Holt (1)
- Howard (1)
- Jefferson (4)
- Johnson (1)
- Kearney (1)
- Knox (3)
- Lancaster (9)
- Lincoln (2)
- Madison (5)
- Nemaha (1)
- Otoe (1)
- Pawnee (1)
- Platte (4)
- Red Willow (1)
- Saline (1)
- Sarpy (1)
- Saunders (1)
- Scotts Bluff (2)
- Sheridan (1)
- Valley (1)
- Washington (1)
- York (4)
Common questions
- How much does deer processing cost in Nebraska?
Nebraska has 35 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, 10 Nebraska shops accept donated deer through Hunters Helping the Hungry, 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 Nebraska?
Deer season dates in Nebraska are set each year by Nebraska Game and Parks, and they change from season to season. Check the Nebraska Game and Parks 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 Nebraska?
Yes. Nebraska runs Hunters Helping the Hungry, 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.