Can You Donate Game?

December 11, 2008

Question: I do a lot of hunting and fishing and especially after long range fishing trips I realize I have more than I really need. Is it possible for hunters and fishermen to donate surplus fish and/or game to shelters and soup kitchens? (Jason K.)

Answer: Yes. Fish and wild game can be donated to these privately run organizations (Fish & Game Code section 3080), however, several health code sections govern how they must store and process uninspected meat. Game is uninspected and generally must be stored and processed in different facilities from the inspected meats and/or with different implements. This added burden has caused many of the organizations to stop accepting the donations. The best thing to do is to call around to find out who accepts fish and/or wild game donations and find out what they require to legally accept them as donations.