From Conflict to Community: The Role of Wild Game in Feeding America

For millions of Americans facing food insecurity, wild game donated from hunters and fish and game agencies offers a promising, nutritious, and sustainable source of meat. Dr. Jerry Belant, Boone and Crockett Chair of Wildlife Conservation at Michigan State University’s Wild Foods Institute, is advancing a vital conversation about how harvesting wildlife can both reduce human-wildlife conflicts and bolster food security across the country.

A Win-Win: Food Security Through Wildlife Management 

In the early 1900s, the U.S. had an estimated 300,000 whitetail deer, which is considered a historic low for the species. Today, we have an estimated 30 million deer. In some parts of the country, an overabundance of deer leads to increased vehicle collisions, crop damage, disease outbreaks, and even forest degradation. When too many deer are considered a "problem," wildlife managers often look to hunters to reduce deer numbers. When there aren’t enough hunters, managers at times hire sharpshooters or trap the deer, which is expensive. In some situations, the meat is simply thrown away. To address both the growing costs of deer management and the ethical problem of wasting harvested animals, Belant and his colleagues are identifying a win-win solution. 

In a recent article published in Food Security (Belant, Suckow & Kellner, 2025), Dr. Belant and fellow researchers explored an often overlooked secondary benefit of lethal wildlife control: providing wild meat to people experiencing food insecurity. While the primary goal is reducing economic impact and health risks, these efforts also generate valuable meat donations.

Data from the USDA Wildlife Services program shows that from 2020 to 2023, approximately 117 to 148 metric tons (129 to 163 U.S. tons) of wild meat—enough for up to 1.74 million meals—were donated annually to food banks nationwide. This donated meat, primarily deer, but also black bear, wild turkey, and various waterfowl, represents an estimated replacement value of up to $1.7 million each year. These donations incur minimal taxpayer cost, as professional culling and processing are funded by those requesting wildlife control.

Beyond numbers, wild meat offers nutritional advantages over some domestic meat sources. It tends to be higher in protein, lower in unhealthy fats, and rich in essential micronutrients such as B vitamins—components linked to improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
“Using wild meat from human-wildlife conflict mitigation not only reduces risks posed by overabundant species, but also creates a valuable resource to support communities facing food insecurity,” Belant said. 

While on the surface, the concept of harvesting wildlife that is damaging crops to feed hungry people seems like a slam dunk. It’s more complicated than that, he says. One key barrier is accessibility and acceptance among people facing food insecurity. “For one, some people are not used to wild game. Availability and palatability can be issues,” he said. 

Logistical hurdles also complicate distribution. Belant described efforts to optimize sourcing from conflict hotspots, such as areas with high deer-vehicle collisions or crop damage. “It’s a logistical supply chain issue—what’s the most cost-effective way to get safe food to people who need it?” he said. Enhancing communication about these programs among hunters, processors, and recipients is also a priority to improve awareness and acceptance of wild game meat.

Addressing concerns about compatibility with the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, Belant emphasized that the model is adaptable and rooted in evolving cultural and scientific knowledge. “This is fundamentally optimizing basic wildlife management. It’s a part of overall harvest management and has the benefit of reducing human-wildlife conflicts while secondarily reducing food insecurity,” he said. He has received little pushback, highlighting that such strategies align with responsible, regulated use of wildlife resources and provide numerous benefits to society.

Toward a More Sustainable Future 

Belant envisions this approach as part of a broader integration of hunting, conservation, and food security. The intersection of sustainability, livelihood improvement, and food security is central to the Wild Foods Institute’s work.

He acknowledges that using culled animals to feed hungry people is a great option, but it’s not always the best option. There are logistical challenges and costs, such as refrigeration and processing, as well as social stigmas surrounding wild game versus store-bought meat, that must be considered. “We need to get the word out on available programs to make hunters, processors, and recipients more aware of what’s out there,” Belant said. “Helping to tackle food insecurity through wildlife culling, along with other forms of wildlife management, is a huge undertaking. No single individual or group can fix the challenges surrounding food security and wildlife conservation, but we all recognize the importance of both. It is also helpful to acknowledge that we as humans are a part of that system; we have to use resources, and we have to be sustainable in how we use them.” 
 

About the Wild Foods Institute 

The Wild Foods Institute program at Michigan State University integrates wildlife conservation science with sustainable food use and community livelihoods, embodying the Club’s commitment to developing future conservation leaders versed in science, ethics, and communication. Dr. Belant’s role as Boone and Crockett Chair ensures that research, education, and outreach align closely with the Club’s mission to uphold Fair Chase and habitat stewardship.

The Wild Foods Institute’s goal of strengthening society through sustainable wild harvests is based on three primary themes:

1. Conservation and Sustainability

Advance integrative science to understand and adapt to social and environmental change, ensuring the long-term health, diversity, and ethical management of wild harvests.

2. Livelihoods

Examine how wild harvests sustain local economies, cultural identity, and traditional knowledge, fostering resilient and equitable communities across the globe.

3. Food Security

Position wild harvests as vital elements of global food systems that enhance nutrition, resource stewardship, and ecological balance.