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Lead in Venison

There are concerns about lead exposure from eating venison from deer killed with lead bullets. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) recommends using ammunition that doesn’t contain lead because this is the simplest and most effective way to prevent this type of lead exposure.

General Resources

Specific Resources for Food Pantries, Food Processors, and their Clients

Food pantries and their clients should be aware that lead-bullet fragments may be found in some donated venison. Processors of deer should use best practices to reduce the amount of lead that ends up in the venison.

Letter to Wisconsin Food Pantry Managers (PDF)

Return to Environmental Health Resources page

Last revised August 24, 2021