Hunt_Content Page_Eating Wild Game

Safely Eating Venison

Wisconsin has a rich hunting tradition, and Wild Game is a sustainable, lean source of healthy protein. Whether in the woods and fields or on the water, outdoor adventure and hopefully a tasty, hard-earned meal await hunters in our state. Still, some precautions should be considered before consuming wild game.

Advisories on lead ammunition and consumption from areas where wild animals have known exposure to contaminants are in place to keep hunters and their families safe from possible exposure to harmful substances. This page provides information to keep in mind before planning your next hunt.

Lead in Venison

Lead in Venison

Deer harvested with lead bullets have been shown to have tiny lead particles or fragments remaining in a portion of the processed meat. Some of the lead fragments found in venison samples were far from the wound channel and were too small to see during processing. Although no one has linked human health effects to lead in venison so far, tests on venison suggest there may be lead levels of concern in some samples.

These suggestions can reduce exposure to lead: 

  • Consider alternative expanding non-lead ammunition such as copper or other high-weight-retention bullets, such as bonded bullets.
  • Plan for shot placement away from significant muscle areas. Aim for the neck, head, or the vitals behind the shoulder. Don't shoot at running deer.
  • Avoid consuming internal organs, which can contain extra lead from heart-lung shots.
  • Always trim a great distance away from the wound channel and discard any meat that is bruised, discolored or contains hair, dirt, bone fragments or grass.
Additional Documents

This is an important issue that will continue to be monitored. For a more comprehensive review of lead in venison, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Deer Liver PFAS Advisory

Consumption Advisory For Deer Liver Harvested In the Marinette Area

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Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are artificial chemicals in industrial processes and manufactured products. PFAS don't break down easily and can remain for a long time in the environment where people can be exposed to them.

Due to local interest, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources studied PFAS levels in deer at the JCI/Tyco Fire Technology Center, 2700 Industrial Parkway, in Marinette. Twenty deer were harvested and measured for PFAS levels in muscle (venison), heart and liver tissues.

For those who eat venison from deer harvested within the five-mile advisory area, the muscle (venison) and heart of white-tailed deer are not likely to result in significant PFAS exposure, according to our findings. Therefore, a PFAS-based consumption advisory is not warranted for the muscles or hearts of deer from this location.

However, our findings suggest that eating liver from deer in this area will likely result in significant PFAS exposure. The liver filters chemicals from the blood, and some substances, like PFAS, can accumulate in the liver over time.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the DNR recommend people do not eat liver harvested from deer within the advisory area.

PFAS can accumulate in our bodies slowly over time through repeat exposure. High levels of PFAS in the body harm human health, especially pregnant women's health. High levels of PFAS in the body may:

  • Increase cholesterol levels;
  • Decrease how well the body responds to vaccines;
  • Increase the risk of thyroid disease;
  • Decrease fertility in women;
  • Increase the risk of high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia in pregnant women; and
  • Lower infant birth weights.
Additional Documents