Deer vary in a variety of sizes and forms, therefore there isn’t a single simple response to the question “How much does a deer weigh?” A deer’s weight varies depending on its age, gender, species, and geographic region, among other things. We’ll examine the usual weight ranges for numerous deer species in this in-depth essay so you can discover more about these magnificent creatures.
How Much Does a Deer Weigh?
A mature male deer, or buck, weighs normally between 68 and 136 kg (150 and 300 lb), while in certain areas there are some very huge males that surpass 180 kg (400 lb). Does, or adult female deer, typically weigh 88 to 198 lb (40 to 90 kg). Regional differences do occur, with California reporting typical male and female weights of 120–160 pounds and 80–120 pounds, respectively. Male white-tailed deer may weigh up to 405 pounds, with an average weight of around 203 pounds. Mule deer show much more diversity in weight, with mature males weighing between 150 and 300 pounds and adult females weighing between 90 and 200 pounds.
Average Deer Weights by Species
Now let’s look at some popular deer species’ average adult weights:
| Species | Average Buck Weight | Average Doe Weight |
|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | 150-300 lbs | 90-200 lbs |
| Mule Deer | 150-250 lbs | 110-170 lbs |
| Elk | 600-725 lbs | 425-525 lbs |
| Caribou | 350-700 lbs | 275-375 lbs |
| Moose | 800-1,400 lbs | 600-1,100 lbs |
| Reindeer | 325-530 lbs | 200-300 lbs |
Average whitetail deer weight by state
| State | Average Buck Weight | Average Doe Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 176 lbs | 128 lbs |
| Alaska | 250 lbs | 150 lbs |
| Arizona | 150 lbs | 100 lbs |
| Arkansas | 150 lbs | 100 lbs |
| California | 160 lbs | 110 lbs |
| Colorado | 200 lbs | 140 lbs |
| Connecticut | 140 lbs | 100 lbs |
| Delaware | 160 lbs | 110 lbs |
| Florida | 120 lbs | 80 lbs |
| Georgia | 170 lbs | 120 lbs |
| Hawaii | None | None |
| Idaho | 190 lbs | 130 lbs |
| Illinois | 170 lbs | 120 lbs |
| Indiana | 170 lbs | 120 lbs |
| Iowa | 180 lbs | 130 lbs |
| Kansas | 170 lbs | 120 lbs |
| Kentucky | 170 lbs | 120 lbs |
| Louisiana | 140 lbs | 90 lbs |
| Maine | 180 lbs | 130 lbs |
| Maryland | 140 lbs | 100 lbs |
| Massachusetts | 140 lbs | 100 lbs |
| Michigan | 160 lbs | 110 lbs |
| Minnesota | 200 lbs | 140 lbs |
| Mississippi | 160 lbs | 110 lbs |
| Missouri | 180 lbs | 130 lbs |
| Montana | 220 lbs | 160 lbs |
| Nebraska | 190 lbs | 140 lbs |
| Nevada | 160 lbs | 110 lbs |
| New Hampshire | 160 lbs | 110 lbs |
| New Jersey | 120 lbs | 80 lbs |
| New Mexico | 140 lbs | 100 lbs |
| New York | 160 lbs | 110 lbs |
| North Carolina | 160 lbs | 110 lbs |
| North Dakota | 210 lbs | 150 lbs |
| Ohio | 170 lbs | 120 lbs |
| Oklahoma | 170 lbs | 120 lbs |
| Oregon | 190 lbs | 130 lbs |
| Pennsylvania | 170 lbs | 120 lbs |
| Rhode Island | 120 lbs | 80 lbs |
| South Carolina | 150 lbs | 100 lbs |
| South Dakota | 190 lbs | 140 lbs |
| Tennessee | 170 lbs | 120 lbs |
| Texas | 170 lbs | 120 lbs |
| Utah | 210 lbs | 150 lbs |
| Vermont | 160 lbs | 110 lbs |
| Virginia | 160 lbs | 110 lbs |
| Washington | 190 lbs | 130 lbs |
| West Virginia | 160 lbs | 110 lbs |
| Wisconsin | 180 lbs | 130 lbs |
| Wyoming | 240 lbs | 180 lbs |
Remember that these are only averages in general; any one deer may behave differently from what is usual for its species. Deer in ideal environment and older deer often weigh more. Additionally, these weights are live weights. Deer lose 15–20% of their weight after field dressing.
Deer Weight Estimation Calculator
Deer Weight Estimation Calculator
Estimated Weights:
Live Weight: pounds
Dressed Weight: pounds
Hide Weight: pounds
Blood Weight: pounds
Bone Weight (excluding head): pounds
Edible Lean Meat: pounds
Note: Chart values are approximate estimates.
How much does a female deer weigh?
The weights of does vary widely across species. A moose cow, for instance, weighs 600-1,100 lbs, but a mule deer doe typically weighs 110–170 lbs.
Age has a significant impact on a doe’s weight within a species. A mature 5.5+ year old whitetail doe weighs 150+ lbs, but a 1.5 year old doe may only weigh 90 lbs.
Does typically weigh 50–100 lbs less than bucks for the majority of common deer species. The responsibilities that each gender plays are related to this size dimorphism.
Here are average doe weights for some major deer species:
- Whitetail deer – 90-200 lbs
- Mule deer – 110-170 lbs
- Elk – 425-525 lbs
- Caribou – 275-375 lbs
- Moose – 600-1,100 lbs
Does’ reach their peak weight in the autumn before winter. Due to diminished food supplies and the colder weather, weight might decrease by up to 15% from late autumn through winter.
After giving birth, nursing causes further weight loss in the spring since breastfeeding requires a lot of energy. Late winter or early spring is when does lose the most weight.
Does may weigh more than the average for their species within the range of their ideal habitat and food sources.
How much does an elk weigh?
| Elk Category | Weight Range (kg) | Weight Range (lb) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Male (Bull) | 178 - 497 | 392 - 1,096 |
| Adult Female (Cow) | 171 - 292 | 377 - 644 |
| Roosevelt Elk (Male) | 318 - 499 | 701 - 1,100 |
| Roosevelt Elk (Female) | 261 - 283 | 575 - 624 |
| Tule Elk (Male) | 204 - 318 | 450 - 701 |
| Tule Elk (Female) | 170 - 191 | 375 - 421 |
| Manitoban Elk (Male) | 288 - 478 | 635 - 1,054 |
| Manitoban Elk (Female) | Mean weight: 275 | Mean weight: 606 |
How much does a moose weigh?
| Moose Category | Height at Shoulder Range | Weight Range (kg) | Weight Range (lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Male (Bull) | 1.4 - 2.1 m (4 ft 7 in - 6 ft 11 in) | 380 - 700 kg | 838 - 1,543 lb |
| Adult Female (Cow) | - | 200 - 490 kg | 441 - 1,080 lb |
| Alaska Moose (Male) | > 2.1 m (6.9 ft) at the shoulder | > 635 kg (1,400 lb) | - |
| Alaska Moose (Female) | 1.8 m (5.9 ft) at the shoulder | close to 478 kg (1,054 lb) | - |
| Average Moose (Both Sexes) | 6 feet tall at the shoulder | Up to 1,400 pounds | - |
How much does a mule deer weigh?
| Mule Deer Category | Weight Range (kg) | Weight Range (lb) | Average Weight (kg) | Average Weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Male (Buck) | 55 - 150 | 121 - 331 | Around 92 | Around 203 |
| Adult Female (Doe) | 43 - 90 | 95 - 198 | Around 68 | Around 150 |
| Trophy Specimens | Up to 210 | Up to 460 | - | - |
| Exceptionally Large Bucks | May exceed 450 pounds | May exceed 450 pounds | - | - |
Changes in Weight Throughout the Year
Due to variations in food availability, mating cycles, and winter conditions, a deer’s weight varies considerably throughout the year.
Deer gain weight quickly in the spring and summer when there is plenty of food available. Males begin to develop new antlers in the spring. Bucks reach their peak weight before the mating season in the autumn. Bucks lose 20% or more of their body weight during the rut because to intense antler development and restricted feeding.
Reaches her highest weight just before giving birth in the the fall season. Does’ energy levels are depleted by caring for fawns during the winter. Deer of all ages get leaner during the harsh winter months and when food supplies are low. Late winter, just before spring green-up provides new feed, is when deer lose the greatest weight.
Estimating Deer Weight on the Hoof
Hunters with experience can estimate a live deer’s weight quite precisely merely by looking at it. However, you may get a more accurate estimate by measuring the deer’s chest circumference just behind the front legs. Then consult a deer weight chart, which displays average weights based on chest size.
Use these girth size classifications as a very basic starting point:
| Chest Girth Size | Typical Weight Range |
|---|---|
| Under 32 inches | Under 150 lbs |
| 32-34 inches | 150-175 lbs |
| 34-36 inches | 175-200 lbs |
| 36-38 inches | 200-250 lbs |
| Over 38 inches | Over 250 lbs |
When determining if a deer seems bigger or smaller than typical, keep in mind that chest size just gives an approximation. Be mindful that a deer’s chest enlarges while it is still alive as opposed to after it has been field dressed.
From Live Weight to Edible Meat
The amount of meat a deer will produce is something that deer hunters are particularly interested in predicting. Here are some general guidelines for calculating meat yield:
- Field dressed weight is around 75% of live weight and excludes the intestines and other internal organs.
- The final hanging weight is around 80% of the field dressed weight without the hide, head, or feet.
- Boned-out venison is 75% of hanging weight after processing.
- A 67% bone-out yield of venison is a realistic output.
| Starting Weight | Yield After Each Step |
|---|---|
| 200 lb Live Weight | 150 lbs Field Dressed |
| 150 lbs Field Dressed | 120 lbs Hanging Weight |
| 120 lbs Hanging Weight | 90 lbs Deboned Venison |
| 90 lbs Deboned Venison | 60 lbs Edible Venison |
Thus, a 200-pound live deer would produce around 80 pounds of usable venison meat. The precise quantity depends on the fat percentage, bone thickness, and expertise of your butcher.
The venison output is increased by processing the animal as soon as possible after harvest and eliminating any bones. When transporting your deer from the field to the table, use the aforementioned principles to help you create reasonable expectations.
Important factors That Affect Deer Weight
- Age: As a deer ages from a fawn to an adult, its weight changes substantially. Fawns normally weigh 6 to 8 pounds when they are born. A fawn may weigh 50–75 pounds at the age of six months. Depending on gender and breed, adult deer achieve their greatest weight between the ages of 4 and 10.
- Gender: Bucks, or male deer, are often significantly bigger than does, or female deer. For the majority of deer species, mature bucks weigh 50 pounds or more more than mature does. The size variation is related to the function of bucks in territorial defense and mate attraction during breeding season.
- Species: The deer family has several species with a broad range in size. For instance, a huge moose may weigh more than 1,500 pounds more than a little pudu! These size variations across species are influenced by a variety of variables, including geographic location, climate, food availability, and others.
- Geography & Habitat: Deer in various geographic regions may grow to different sizes, even within the same species. Deer may grow larger because to an abundance of food sources and comfortable conditions. Deer often grow smaller in areas with hard winters.
Deer Weight Loss Throughout Hunting Season
| Time Period | Average Weight Loss | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Early Fall to Mid Fall | 5-10% | Initial rut stresses |
| Mid Fall to Late Fall | 10-15% | Peak rut activity |
| Late Fall to Early Winter | 5-10% | Limited food sources |
| Early to Mid-Winter | 5-10% | Cold weather energy use |
| Total | 25-35% | All factors combined |
Key Takeaways on Deer Weight
The important details to remember are included here as a summary of what we discussed:
- Age, gender, species, and geographic location all have a significant impact on a deer’s weight.
- For each species, males usually weigh substantially more than females.
- Weight changes with the seasons, rising in the autumn and sharply declining in the winter.
- Calculate live weight using chest circumference, then calculate yields to determine meat.
- Boning eliminates around 50% of the remaining meat’s weight, whereas field dressing takes away roughly 25%.
Hunters may establish goals and control expectations by learning more about the connections between live weight, field dressed weight, and realistic venison production. Even though weights vary from deer to deer, remembering averages and ratios can help your hunting expeditions be more profitable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average weight of a buck white-tailed deer?
Adult male white-tailed deer (bucks) weigh between 150 and 300 pounds live on average. The heaviest adult bucks are usually between 4.5 and 5.5 years old, often weighing over 200 pounds and even up to 300 pounds under the right circumstances and with strong genetics. Buck yearlings typically weigh 100 to 150 pounds. In agricultural regions with nutrient-rich crops that enable them to realize their maximum development potential, the biggest dollars are often to be found.
How can you determine a deer's live weight in the field?
The live weight of a deer that a hunter spots in the field may be estimated using a few different techniques. One method is to assess the body and chest measurements. Deer in the 150–200 lb range often have a chest girth of 32–34 inches, whereas deer with a chest girth of 36–plus inches are frequently above 200 lb. Observe the rump, legs, and neck as well. Deer with higher muscular mass weigh more than those with leaner frames. Utilizing antler size is the second technique. In general, adult deer weighing over 200 lbs. are often bucks with antlers greater than 16–18 inch spreads and 8+ points.
How much does a deer weigh after field dressing?
The carcass weight of a deer after field dressing, which involves removing the intestines, organs, and skin, is approximately 60–65% of the live weight. So if you harvest a 300 lb. deer, you can generally anticipate that the field dressed weight will be approximately 195 lb. The quantity of useable venison that remains thereafter depends on the processing technique used by your butcher. You’ll receive boneless trimmed venison cuts equal to 60–75% of the field dressed weight. For instance, a 195-pound doe would provide around 115-145 pounds of steaks, roasts, and various cuts for the freezer.
Why do deer lose so much weight during hunting season?
For a number of reasons, deer lose a large amount of weight during hunting season—up to 30% of their pre-season weight. First, during the rut, bucks burn a lot of calories by pursuing does and fighting. Second, late autumn and winter are when natural food supplies are least plentiful. Last but not least, colder temperatures make deer use more energy to remain warm. After the strains of the rut and weather, a 200 lb deer in September could only weigh 150 lb by January. also sheds pounds after giving birth in the spring.
What deer species weigh the most?
Moose weigh more on average than any other kind of deer. While cows range between 600 and 1100 pounds, male moose may weigh up to 800 pounds. The North American elk is the second-heaviest deer. Elk cows weigh 425–525 lbs, while bulls weigh an average of 600–725 lbs. At 350–700 lbs on average, Alaskan caribou bulls come in third in terms of weight. The two deer species with the lowest average weights are pudu (15–35 lbs) and hog deer (45–75 lbs).
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