the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, New Jersey is home to approximately 115,000 deer, but the impact of this growing population extends far beyond the forests. From 15,000 deer-related car accidents annually to conservation efforts involving sharpshooters in national parks, the state is facing challenges in managing its deer population.
file photo by Boyd Loving
Yet, despite this abundance, venison remains a rarity on restaurant menus—and when it is available, it’s often sourced from New Zealand or Texas rather than local hunters.
Why Isn’t Venison More Common in New Jersey?
New Jersey prohibits the commercial sale of wild deer meat, a regulation rooted in conservation history. Decades ago, overhunting for commercial gain nearly wiped out species like the American bison and the beaver. To prevent a repeat, laws now restrict the retail sale of wild game.
However, there are legal ways to enjoy venison, including:
✅ Wild game dinners at select restaurants
✅ Venison donations to food banks
✅ Hunting for personal consumption
As deer-hunting season wraps up, fresh venison is making its way to food pantries and exclusive dining events across the state.
file photo by Boyd Loving
Game Dinners in New Jersey: A Tradition Gaining Popularity
For more than 30 years, the Black Forest Inn in Stanhope has been hosting game dinners, featuring venison as a highlight. Chef Heinrich Aichem has seen a growing interest in deer meat, with over 200 guests attending each event.
Venison Delicacies at Game Dinners:
🍽 Venison pâté and prosciutto
🍽 Venison chili and rouladen
🍽 Kielbasa and cheddar bratwurst
🍽 Slow-roasted venison shoulder
Aichem emphasizes that local venison is superior to farmed options from Texas, citing better diet and habitat.
Upcoming Game Dinners in 2025:
📍 Feb. 23 – Chester Game Association Dinner at Black Forest Inn
📍 March 2 – New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Dinner at Black Forest Inn
📍 Nov. 20 – Virginia Hotel’s Annual Game Dinner
Venison for the Community: Hunters Helping the Hungry
Since 1997, New Jersey has allowed hunters to donate venison to food banks, leading to the formation of Hunters Helping the Hungry (HHH). This nonprofit has provided over 2.5 million meals, distributing about 25,000 pounds of venison per season.
How It Works:
1️⃣ Hunters deliver deer to state-certified butchers
2️⃣ Butchers process the meat
3️⃣ Food banks distribute venison to families in need
According to Norwescap’s Shannon Williams, venison is a highly sought-after protein in local food banks, especially in rural counties where hunting is common.
A Push for More Local Venison Consumption
Efforts to legalize commercial venison sales in 2014 failed, but organizations like HHH are taking a different approach—educating new hunters.
In September 2024, HHH and the New Jersey DEP hosted deer-butchering workshops, catering to locavores and first-time hunters. With growing interest in sustainable, locally sourced meat, these workshops are likely to expand.
Where to Get Venison in New Jersey
If you want to try venison but don’t hunt, options include:
🦌 Alstede Farms (Chester) & Fossil Farms (Boonton) – Sells imported venison
🦌 Attend a Game Dinner – A chef-prepared way to experience local venison
As conservation, hunting, and sustainability intersect, venison is slowly gaining popularity in New Jersey. Whether through game dinners or community donations, this lean, organic protein is making an impact—one meal at a time.
Would you try venison at a New Jersey game dinner? Let us know in the comments!
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