The smell of fresh meat is in the air after the 44th annual venison feed in Tomahawk.

For decades the community has come together to send off hunters with a tasty tradition.

The weather was just right, the grills were hot, and the people were lined up to get their hands on a delicious venison burger.

The best part? It was all free.

The Chamber of Commerce did accept donations.

The meat was donated by hunters in the community, and was processed at a local grocery store.

The buns, chips, condiments, and soda were donated from local business.

And though no one seems to remember the history of the venison feed, everyone remembers to show up.

"It's a happening in Tomahawk. It's fun for a couple hours to get out and see a lot of deer hunters that come on an annual basis and talk to the same people every year," says Paul Garner, Clerk/Treasurer for the City of Tomahawk, and cook for the Venison feed.

"World's capitol that's it. It's the only place you can get it!" says Jerry Sciano, a hunter.

About half the hungry crowd is filled with locals, the others are hunters from all over getting ready for the nine-day gun season.

Some were dressed in blaze orange, others mimicking what they hope to shoot in the woods.

Volunteers grilled nearly 2,000 venison burgers started at 11.

By 11:30, the lines were moving along nicely.

The Chamber is expected to make some money with the donations they received, but this event is more about celebrating the hunting season, and making the community a unique destination that's sure to satisfy.

The gun-deer season officially begins Saturday at dawn.
THE GUN DEER SEASON OFFICIAL STARTS TOMORROW AT DAWN.