Deer Meat Yield Calculator
Estimate the amount of boneless meat you can expect from your deer based on its weight.
Understanding Your Venison Yield
For any hunter, one of the most rewarding parts of a successful hunt is the meat it provides. But how much meat can you actually expect from a deer? This calculator helps you estimate the total boneless meat yield, along with a breakdown of common cuts, based on either the deer's live weight or its field-dressed weight.
Key Terms in Meat Yield Calculation
Understanding the terminology is crucial for accurately estimating your yield. The weight of a deer is measured at three main stages:
- Live Weight: This is the weight of the deer "on the hoof," before any processing has occurred. It's often an estimate unless you have a scale in the field.
- Field Dressed Weight: This is the weight after the internal organs, heart, lungs, and liver have been removed. This is the most common weight hunters take. A deer's field-dressed weight is typically about 78% of its live weight.
- Hanging Weight: This is the weight after the deer has been skinned and the head and lower legs have been removed. This is the weight of the carcass as it hangs in a cooler. The hanging weight is usually around 75% of the field-dressed weight.
The final boneless meat yield is what you get after all bones, sinew, and excess fat are removed. This is typically about 67% of the hanging weight.
How to Use the Deer Meat Calculator
- Select Weight Type: Choose whether you are starting with the "Live Weight" or the "Field Dressed Weight" of the deer.
- Enter Weight: Input the weight in pounds into the designated field.
- Calculate: Click the "Calculate Meat Yield" button to see your results. The calculator will show the estimated total boneless meat yield and a potential breakdown into steaks/roasts, ground meat, and stew meat.
Example Calculation
Let's say you harvested a buck with an estimated live weight of 180 lbs.
- Input: Select "Live Weight" and enter "180".
- Estimated Field Dressed Weight: 180 lbs * 0.78 = 140.4 lbs
- Estimated Hanging Weight: 140.4 lbs * 0.75 = 105.3 lbs
- Estimated Total Boneless Meat Yield: 105.3 lbs * 0.67 = 70.55 lbs
This total yield would then be broken down into approximately 28.22 lbs of steaks/roasts, 28.22 lbs of ground meat, and 14.11 lbs of stew meat/trim.
Factors That Influence Meat Yield
It's important to remember that this calculator provides an estimate. The actual amount of meat you get can be affected by several factors:
- Shot Placement: A poorly placed shot can damage a significant amount of meat, especially in prime areas like the shoulders or backstraps.
- Butchering Skill: An experienced butcher will be more efficient and waste less meat than a novice.
- Deer's Body Condition: A deer's fat content and muscle mass can vary depending on its age, health, and the time of year.
- Your Cut Preferences: If you prefer more bone-in cuts, your total weight will be higher, but your boneless yield will be the same. If you grind more meat, the breakdown will shift.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for estimation purposes only. The percentages used are industry averages, and your actual venison yield may vary.
Estimated Meat Yield
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- Estimated Field Dressed Weight: ' + fieldDressedWeight.toFixed(2) + ' lbs ' + '
- Estimated Hanging Weight: ' + hangingWeight.toFixed(2) + ' lbs ' + '
- Total Boneless Meat Yield: ' + bonelessYield.toFixed(2) + ' lbs ' + '
Estimated Cut Breakdown:
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- Steaks & Roasts: ' + steaksRoasts.toFixed(2) + ' lbs ' + '
- Ground Meat/Sausage: ' + groundMeat.toFixed(2) + ' lbs ' + '
- Stew Meat & Trim: ' + stewTrim.toFixed(2) + ' lbs ' + '