The weight of a deer varies significantly depending on its species, age, sex, and environmental factors. Below are the general weight ranges for different species of deer found in North America, including the most common deer types for hunting.
1. White-Tailed Deer
White-tailed deer are the most common deer species in North America and are hunted frequently.
- Adult Male (Buck): Typically weighs between 150 to 300 pounds (68 to 136 kg), with some larger bucks exceeding 300 pounds in certain regions.
- Adult Female (Doe): Typically weighs between 90 to 150 pounds (41 to 68 kg).
- Fawns (Baby Deer): At birth, fawns usually weigh between 5 to 10 pounds (2 to 4.5 kg).
Note: Bucks in northern regions (colder climates) tend to be heavier, while deer in southern areas are generally smaller.
2. Mule Deer
Mule deer are common in the western U.S. and are generally larger than white-tailed deer.
- Adult Male (Buck): Weighs between 150 to 250 pounds (68 to 113 kg), though larger bucks can exceed 300 pounds.
- Adult Female (Doe): Weighs between 100 to 150 pounds (45 to 68 kg).
- Fawns: Fawn mule deer usually weigh between 6 to 10 pounds (2.7 to 4.5 kg) at birth.
3. Black-Tailed Deer
Black-tailed deer are a subspecies of mule deer found along the Pacific coast.
- Adult Male (Buck): Weighs between 120 to 250 pounds (54 to 113 kg).
- Adult Female (Doe): Weighs between 80 to 150 pounds (36 to 68 kg).
- Fawns: Black-tailed fawns weigh between 5 to 10 pounds (2 to 4.5 kg) at birth.
4. Elk (Wapiti)
Elk are much larger than white-tailed or mule deer and are native to North America, typically found in mountainous regions.
- Adult Male (Bull): Bulls typically weigh between 600 to 1,100 pounds (272 to 500 kg), with some large bulls reaching over 1,200 pounds.
- Adult Female (Cow): Cows weigh between 400 to 600 pounds (181 to 272 kg).
- Calves: At birth, elk calves typically weigh between 30 to 50 pounds (14 to 23 kg).
5. Fallow Deer
Fallow deer are smaller than white-tailed and mule deer and are found in parts of the U.S. and Europe.
- Adult Male (Buck): Typically weighs between 130 to 200 pounds (59 to 91 kg).
- Adult Female (Doe): Typically weighs between 80 to 130 pounds (36 to 59 kg).
- Fawns: Fallow deer fawns typically weigh between 6 to 10 pounds (2.7 to 4.5 kg) at birth.
6. Red Deer
Red deer are larger than most other species and are found in Europe and parts of North America.
- Adult Male (Stag): Weighs between 400 to 500 pounds (181 to 227 kg), though some individuals may weigh over 500 pounds.
- Adult Female (Hind): Weighs between 250 to 350 pounds (113 to 159 kg).
- Calves: Red deer calves weigh around 20 to 30 pounds (9 to 14 kg) at birth.
7. Antelope
While not technically a deer, antelope species like the pronghorn can be similar in size to some deer species.
- Adult Male: Weighs between 90 to 150 pounds (41 to 68 kg).
- Adult Female: Typically weighs between 70 to 100 pounds (32 to 45 kg).
Conclusion
- Small to Medium Deer: Species like the white-tailed deer and black-tailed deer range between 90 to 300 pounds for males.
- Larger Deer Species: Mule deer can reach up to 250 pounds, while elk and red deer can easily exceed 600 pounds for males.
- Fawns: Fawn deer typically weigh between 5 to 10 pounds at birth, regardless of species.
These weight ranges provide a general guide, but actual deer weights can vary due to environmental factors such as diet, location, and time of year. Bucks tend to weigh more than does, and individuals from colder regions generally have more body mass.