Wisconsin hunters donated almost 4,000 deer following the 2009 hunting season to help feed the needy .The number which is substantially down from over 6,000 donations in 2008 is the result of low harvest of 2009.

The Department of Natural Resource says the decline in the number of donations was expected. Around 170,000 pounds of ground venison was translated due to last year’s donations. Wisconsin distributed meat to food pantries across the state.

DNR spokeswoman Laurie Fike says food-pantry volunteers were especially grateful even with fewer donations because with so many residents laid off there was more need than ever.

Deer donations were highest in Dane County with 483 deer, followed by Buffalo County with 258 and Columbia County with 200.