The Wild Venison Network is provided by the Open Food Network and managed in close partnership with the British Deer Society.

The network aims to increase sales of local, ethical and sustainable wild venison. We want to build and promote a network of deer stalkers and managers who process wild venison for sale locally to the final consumer or to local retail establishments who directly supply to the final consumer (i.e. butchers, and restaurants).

Find a producer near you:

Would you like to sell your wild venison online direct to your local customers?

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In parts of the UK, some deer species have grown out of balance with their environment, leading to challenges for both ecosystems and communities — and even for the deer themselves. When deer populations exceed the capacity of their habitat, it can result in overbrowsing, which hinders woodland regeneration, reduces biodiversity, and disrupts broader environmental goals. In certain areas, high deer numbers can also cause substantial crop damage, affecting farmers’ livelihoods, increase the risk of deer-vehicle collisions, and put pressure on deer welfare through increased competition for food and the spread of disease.

Sustainable deer management — carried out by highly trained, ethically conscious, and experienced deer stalkers — plays a vital role in restoring balance. Effective deer management supports healthier ecosystems, reduces conflict with local communities, and promotes the overall health and welfare of deer populations.

Wild venison is a natural and highly nutritious by-product of this essential conservation and wildlife management practice. Sourced from wild populations managed with humane and responsible methods, venison is widely regarded as one of the most ethical and sustainable sources of meat in the UK. Compared to traditionally farmed beef and lamb, wild venison has a significantly lower carbon footprint — a benefit that’s further enhanced when it’s sourced locally.

Choosing wild venison means supporting sustainable land and wildlife management while enjoying a delicious, healthy, and environmentally friendly source of protein.

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The Wild Venison Network aims to increase sales of local, ethical and sustainable wild venison within local communities following best practice standards.

It is comprised of a network of deer stalkers who process wild venison to sell locally to the final consumer or to local retail establishments who directly supply the final consumer (i.e. butchers, and restaurants).

Through this network we hope to substantially increase the availability and accessibility of wild venison to consumers. This will be achieved by promoting and supporting wild venison sellers using the Open Food Network platform with enterprise, technical and similar advice.

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The OFN is a not-for-profit initiative and charges no setup fee for those wishing to sell their wild venison locally online. Sellers only provide a contribution to support the costs of Open Food Network when they trade over £500 per month through the platform. This contribution is based on a low percentage of sales (usually 2.4% or less). 

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The BDS is a UK-wide charity dedicated to educating and inspiring people about wild deer. Through education and research, we raise awareness of wild deer and the challenges surrounding their management. We provide training to ensure deer are managed humanely, responsibly, and to the highest standards.

Our goal is to ensure that wild deer in the UK are respected and valued while being kept at sustainable levels where they can coexist with healthy ecosystems, benefit biodiversity, and contribute to the wider environment. 

Wild Venison Buyers:
 
You can support the work of the BDS while you shop online for wild venison with The Open Food Network. All you need to do is add a ‘BDS donation’ item into your shopping basket from a participating wild venison seller and proceed to complete your order!
 
Wild Venison Producers and Sellers:

If you’re a local wild venison seller you can support the work of the BDS by offering your customers on the Open Food Network Platform the opportunity to donate to our charity during the shopping and check-out process.
 
Alternatively, you can become a member of the BDS or connect with our team to explore other ways of supporting our work.