Community Deer Cooler 2026 Information

Established in 2019, the Community Deer Cooler is available for use by all Island hunters and has a capacity for 40 carcasses.

• The Deer Cooler and Donation Program will be administered by Patrick Roden-Reynolds this year. Contact him for more information at 540-216-9618 or at biologist@dukescounty.gov

• The cooler is open from September 21st–February 15th 2026.

  • Information on the specific hunting season dates and regulations can be found on the MA state website here.

    * A 2026 hunting license, primitive firearms stamp, and ADPs (if applicable) are required.

  • Hours: Patrick is on call for dropoffs and pickups 7 days a week from 8 AM to 8 PM. Call or text him at 540-216-9618. He can usually meet within 20 minutes.

Deer Cooler Regulations

• Seasonal use fee for the cooler is $20 for MVAS members and $50 for non-members. This fee can be waived with donation of deer to the Venison Donation Program.

• Registration is required.

• Deer must be field-dressed, skin on, legs cut off at the knees, and properly tagged with the registration number written on the field tag. Field tag must be visible for inspection and attached to the animal.

• Deer may hang for up to 5 days or longer as long as space is available.

Venison Donation Program

The Venison Donation Program, now a part of MassWildlife's Share the Harvest Program, provides high-quality, protein-rich meals to Islanders in need via partnership with the Island Grown Initiative (IGI) through the Island Food Pantry and Kinship Heals. Hunters utilizing the Community Deer Cooler who donate their deer to Share the Harvest Program will have their cooler fee waived.

Tick Free MV will be providing an incentive payment to hunters who donate a deer to Share the Harvest program on Martha's Vineyard. An incentive of $100 for each male deer and $150 for each female deer will be provided while funds are available.

• For each whole deer donated, the hunter will receive a no-cost replacement Antlerless Deer Permit valid for any of the following zones: 1, 3, 4S, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14.  

• For every two whole deer donated in zones 13 and 14, the hunter will receive a no-cost replacement Either-Sex Permit that will be valid for use in only zones 13 and 14. Additional incentives for donations are available from local Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard organizations.