Meat Processors in Ohio
348 processors across 82 counties · 211 take custom orders · 197 handle wild game
Donate a deer in Ohio: Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry
Take a deer to a certified processor and tell them it is for FHFH. Processing is free to the hunter, paid by the program with a grant from the Ohio Division of Wildlife. The venison goes to Ohio food banks and pantries.
Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry — official program page · See all 36 participating shops
Browse by county
- Adams (4)
- Allen (8)
- Ashland (4)
- Ashtabula (8)
- Athens (3)
- Auglaize (6)
- Brown (2)
- Butler (11)
- Carroll (1)
- Champaign (2)
- Clark (3)
- Clermont (3)
- Clinton (2)
- Columbiana (6)
- Coshocton (2)
- Crawford (3)
- Cuyahoga (12)
- Darke (9)
- Defiance (3)
- Erie (4)
- Fairfield (1)
- Fayette (3)
- Franklin (18)
- Fulton (6)
- Gallia (1)
- Geauga (7)
- Greene (3)
- Guernsey (1)
- Hamilton (17)
- Hancock (2)
- Hardin (5)
- Harrison (4)
- Henry (3)
- Highland (2)
- Hocking (1)
- Holmes (5)
- Huron (5)
- Jackson (7)
- Knox (4)
- Lake (3)
- Lawrence (1)
- Licking (3)
- Logan (6)
- Lorain (6)
- Lucas (6)
- Mahoning (10)
- Marion (2)
- Medina (6)
- Mercer (4)
- Miami (4)
- Monroe (1)
- Montgomery (12)
- Morgan (1)
- Morrow (2)
- Muskingum (4)
- Noble (1)
- Ottawa (1)
- Paulding (1)
- Perry (1)
- Pickaway (1)
- Pike (1)
- Portage (5)
- Preble (1)
- Putnam (2)
- Richland (5)
- Sandusky (3)
- Scioto (4)
- Seneca (5)
- Shelby (3)
- Stark (10)
- Summit (6)
- Trumbull (8)
- Tuscarawas (4)
- Union (2)
- Van Wert (1)
- Vinton (1)
- Warren (2)
- Washington (3)
- Wayne (7)
- Williams (4)
- Wood (3)
- Wyandot (1)
Common questions
- How much does deer processing cost in Ohio?
Ohio has 211 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, 36 Ohio shops accept donated deer through Farmers and Hunters Feeding 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 Ohio?
Deer season dates in Ohio are set each year by Ohio Division of Wildlife, and they change from season to season. Check the Ohio Division of Wildlife 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 Ohio?
Yes. Ohio runs Farmers and Hunters Feeding 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.