Local meat processors are ready to take your deer if you decide you don't want to do the work yourself this deer season. Each has varying hours and procedures, so it's best to call before you bring anything to them.
At Ozark Meats in Grandin, which is under new ownership again this year, they will take deer from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Saturdays. The business will be closed both Sundays of the season.
Ozark Meats will take whole deer or those already quartered and/or boneless in coolers.
If you're going to be running late, give them a call at 573-593-4199 so they know to expect you.
At Piedmont Processing in Piedmont, they'll take deer from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. every day, but "we'll probably be here later," they report.
Piedmont Processing will accept whole deer only with the skin on, and they must be gutted. No frozen meat will be taken.
To reach them, call 573-223-4950.
At Pennington Meat Packing in Fairdealing, they will take deer from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., but possibly later if you call them at 573-996-4169.
They will take whole deer only with skin on, and they should be gutted. No coolers will be accepted, and space may be limited.
Elderland Meats in Zalma will be open from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. daily during the season, but "we'll take deer at all hours," said owner Jerry Elder.
Deer can be dropped off whole (field dressed) or quartered/boneless in coolers.
To reach Elderland Meats, call them at 573-722-3622. If it's after hours, you can call 573-722-3023 or 573-421-0492 to arrange for a drop-off.
After a several-year hiatus, The Deep Freeze in Poplar Bluff again will be doing some limited deer processing.
Deer will be taken during normal business hours of 8 a.m. until noon and 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8-12 on Saturdays.
Only quartered deer in coolers will be accepted, so don't plan on taking a whole deer as in the past.
The Deep Freeze can be reached at 573-785-2327.
Finally, if you prefer to donate your deer through the state's Share the Harvest program, Ozark Meats, Piedmont Processing and Elderland Meats all will gladly accept your kill, and generally there is no charge, thanks to several local and state sponsors.