Deer exhibit a remarkable range in size, making the question of their average weight complex. Many factors influence an individual deer’s weight, including its species, age, sex, and the environment it inhabits.
Understanding Deer Weight by Species
Deer species vary widely in their typical adult body mass. White-tailed deer, common across the Americas, show considerable size variation, with North American males (bucks) typically weighing between 68 to 136 kilograms (150 to 300 pounds), while females (does) usually range from 40 to 90 kilograms (88 to 198 pounds). Tropical populations of white-tailed deer are generally smaller. Mule deer, often found in western North America, have adult bucks weighing 55 to 150 kilograms (121 to 331 pounds) and does weighing 43 to 90 kilograms (95 to 198 pounds).
Elk, also known as wapiti, are among the larger deer species. Adult male elk typically weigh 320 to 500 kilograms (700 to 1,100 pounds), and females generally range from 225 to 320 kilograms (500 to 700 pounds). Red deer, prevalent in Europe and parts of Asia, have stags (males) weighing 90 to 260 kilograms (200 to 570 pounds) and hinds (females) weighing 63 to 120 kilograms (139 to 265 pounds). Fallow deer, found across Europe, are medium-sized; bucks typically weigh 60 to 100 kilograms (130 to 220 pounds), and does weigh 30 to 50 kilograms (66 to 110 pounds). Moose, the largest members of the deer family, are considerably heavier.
Key Factors Affecting Deer Weight
Several biological and environmental factors contribute to the variations observed in deer weight. Age plays a significant role, with younger deer weighing considerably less than mature adults. Deer typically reach their maximum body size around 5 to 7 years of age.
Sex also influences weight, as males are generally larger and heavier than females across most deer species. Diet and nutrition are highly influential, with the availability and quality of forage directly impacting a deer’s ability to gain and maintain weight. Areas with abundant and nutritious food sources support larger, healthier deer populations.
Habitat quality is closely linked to nutritional intake, as rich soils and consistent moisture promote the growth of high-quality plants that deer consume. Poor habitat conditions can lead to stunted growth and lower body weights. Genetics establish a deer’s potential for growth, but environmental factors determine how much of that potential is realized. While genetics influence body size, nutrition and age are more significant in expressing this potential in free-ranging populations. Overall health also contributes to a deer’s body condition and weight.
Deer Weight Extremes
The deer family includes species ranging from exceptionally small to remarkably large. The smallest known deer species is the Pudú, native to South America. The northern pudú typically stands only 32 to 35 centimeters (12.5 to 14 inches) tall at the shoulder and weighs between 3.3 to 6 kilograms (7.3 to 13.2 pounds). The southern pudú is slightly larger, reaching up to 45 centimeters (18 inches) at the shoulder and weighing between 6.4 to 13.4 kilograms (14 to 30 pounds).
At the opposite end of the scale is the Moose, recognized as the largest deer species in the world. Adult male moose can stand up to 2.1 meters (7 feet) tall at the shoulder and commonly weigh between 380 to 700 kilograms (838 to 1,543 pounds). There have been records of exceptionally large moose weighing over 800 kilograms (1,800 pounds). This vast difference in size between the Pudú and the Moose underscores the incredible diversity within the Cervidae family.