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How to Choose a Deer Processor in Michigan: 12 Questions to Ask

Updated October 21, 2026

Processors run their shops very differently. The examples below come straight from Michigan processors' own websites (linked), so you can see why it's worth asking before you load the truck.

Before you call

Questions to ask

  1. Do I need an appointment or reservation? KAS in South Lyon requires a drop-off reservation [source]; KeiLin Farm is by appointment only [source]; Uncle Henry's in Troy says no appointment needed during business hours. [source]
  2. Are you taking deer right now? Busy shops may pause intake opening week. [source]
  3. What are your drop-off hours, and is there after-hours drop-off? Some list a narrower drop-off window than store hours (DJ's Meats: drop-off 10–3). [source]
  4. What does a basic cut cost, and is it flat or by weight? Published basic prices we found on the processor sites we checked range from $130 (Great Lakes, cash) [source] to $169 (DJ's). [source] Uncle Henry's charges one flat fee [source]; Game Time notes prices are on total raw meat weight. [source]
  5. Do you need a deposit, or full payment up front? KAS [source] and Game Time [source] list a $100 deposit; DJ's requires payment in full at drop-off. [source]
  6. Cash, card, or check? Any card fee? Mark's in Fowlerville is cash only (ATM on site) [source]; KAS adds 3% for cards [source]; Great Lakes gives a $10 cash discount. [source]
  7. Do you take skinned or quartered deer? KAS doesn't accept skinned deer [source]; Great Lakes won't take quartered or skinned deer after Nov. 14 [source]; Uncle Henry's charges $30 for a whole skinned deer. [source]
  8. How should it be field dressed? Game Time asks you not to cut off the shanks [source] and Uncle Henry's asks you not to cut the rear hocks/Achilles tendons — they're used to hang the deer. [source]
  9. Will I get my own deer back? Game Time [source] and Uncle Henry's [source] both explain how they tag each animal — ask how your shop does it.
  10. How long until it's ready, and how long do I have to pick up? KAS asks for pickup within 24 hours of notice [source]; Uncle Henry's within 3 days [source]; KeiLin charges $5/day storage. [source] Sausage and jerky can take longer — Game Time estimates 2 weeks to 2 months. [source]
  11. Do you take out-of-state deer? Game Time accepts them only boneless or quartered with no spine or head. [source]
  12. Do you accept donated deer? See how to donate venison in Michigan.

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Sources