MADISON, Wis. -- The state Department of Natural Resources said that there are too many deer in Wisconsin so they're encouraging hunters to help thin the herd while helping the needy.

DNR officials estimate that there are about 1.7 million deer in the state and they would like to harvest about half of the herd, WISC-TV reported.

This year, a new program called Target Hunger, will accept deer within the chronic wasting disease (CWD) zone along with other programs outside of the zone.

Local butcher shops can process a hunter's deer and take donations.

Jerry Stoddard, of Stoddard's Country Grove Market, said that he thinks the program helps those in need of some assistance.

"It allows them to donate those deer to a food pantry so people who are less fortunate have good protein available to them throughout the year," he said. '"All people have to do is bring the deer in, fill out a little bit of paperwork and leave. We'll take care of the rest for them."

Since 2000, Wisconsin hunters have donated more than 63,000 deer, providing almost 3 million pounds of venison to needy families, officials said.

To find out where deer are being collected, click here.