Events

What is a Doe Derby?

A Doe Derby is a Food Drive event aimed at collecting venison from hunters to help address the deer population issue and support local food assistance programs. Hunters can donate venison harvested from does, which will be distributed to Gleaners of SE Michigan to assist those in need.

Benefits

• Reduce Deer Population
• Reduce Crop Damage
• Reduce Car/Deer Collisions
• Provide valuable, clean, local meat for those in need

Who Can Participate?

Anyone! Hunters from any county, hunters of any age, local businesses, and community members can participate.  Harvested does entered in the prize drawings are not required to be donated.

How Can You Help?

• Bring your freshly harvested, tagged and reported, field-dressed does to the collection site on January 3rd, 2026.  Your harvest may be donated or entered in the contests only.
• Businesses and individuals can donate funds to offset processing fees or contribute raffle/contest prizes.
• Volunteers are welcome for the day of the event!

How It Works

• Bring your harvested, tagged and reported, field-dressed does to Vangilder Farms
• Date: January 3rd, 2026
• Time: 3–7 PM
• Fill out a donation form (optional) |enter the Doe Derby Contest |We handle the rest!

Every donated doe earns a raffle ticket for door prizes donated by local businesses and individuals. Farm Bureau Members receive 5 extra entries!

Prizes awarded at 7:30 PM (You do not have to be present to win!)

We will also have a nonperishable food collection for Gleaners; each item donated receives an extra raffle entry!

Contest Categories:

• Heaviest Total Harvest Weight
• Largest Doe
  • Men | Women | Youth
• Smallest Doe

Processing & Distribution

All donated meat will be processed and distributed to Gleaners of SE Michigan.

Processing costs will be offset by generous donations from: Hunters Feeding Michigan, Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger, Livingston County Farm Bureau, Michigan Farm Bureau Venison Task Force, Michigan Farm Bureau Agent Charitable Fund, and local businesses/farms.

Drop Off Location: 5519 Grand River Ave, Fowlerville, MI 48836 

Questions?

Contact Matt Graham at (517) 304-8609 or [email protected]