We collaborate with other island organizations to control the Vineyard deer population and limit tick-borne illnesses. Hunters are welcome to join our deer cooler!

The Deer Management Program is a collaboration between The Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society, Island Grown Initiative (IGI) and The MV Tick Program whose primary goals are to reduce the Vineyard deer population and limit tick-borne illnesses. The MV Tick Program is working with private landowners to connect them with responsible hunters to reduce deer populations in residential areas.

Community Deer Cooler 2024 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.

  • The cooler is open from October 7th–December 31st, 2024.

    • Archery Season: Oct. 7–Nov. 30, 2024
      Shotgun Season: Dec. 2–14, 2024
      Primitive Firearms Season: Dec. 16–Dec. 31, 2024

    • 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 (VDP) provides high-quality, protein-rich meals to islanders in need via partnership with the Island Grown Initiative (IGI) through the Island Food Pantry, Kinship Heals, IGI's Prepared Meals program, and other food distribution programs. Hunters utilizing the Community Deer Cooler who donate their deer to the Venison Donation Program will have their cooler fee waived. To qualify, carcasses must be 60 lbs. or larger.

Hunter Registration

Sign up for the Deer Cooler using this link:

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The Community Deer Cooler is located at The Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society (35 Panhandle Rd in West Tisbury). Special thanks to Brian Athearn, Clarence ‘Trip’ Barnes, Joe Capece/Centerline Builders, and the many others who donated goods and services to realize this project.