The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), often called the whitetail, is a common and widely distributed species across the Americas. These adaptable animals inhabit diverse ecosystems, from arid grasslands to dense forests, and are recognized for their distinctive white tail underside. They are a familiar sight in both rural and suburban landscapes throughout North America.
Typical Weight Ranges
The weight of white-tailed deer varies considerably, influenced by sex and geographic location. Adult male deer, known as bucks, typically weigh between 150 to 300 pounds (68 to 136 kg) in North America. Adult females, or does, usually range from 88 to 198 pounds (40 to 90 kg). Individual weights can fall outside these ranges.
Male fawns are generally slightly larger and heavier than female fawns. For example, yearling bucks (about 1.5 years old) may weigh around 115 pounds, while a mature doe can weigh over 100 pounds.
Key Influences on Weight
Numerous factors contribute to the wide variation in white-tailed deer weight. Geographic location plays a role, with deer in northern regions tending to be larger than those in southern or tropical areas. This follows Bergmann’s Rule, which suggests animals are larger in colder climates. For example, bucks in the northern United States and southern Canada can weigh between 198 to 298 pounds, while those in the Florida Keys might be as light as 49 pounds.
Age is another determinant of a deer’s body mass, with weight generally increasing until maturity. A buck typically reaches most of its adult body size and weight by 4.5 years of age, continuing to gain mass until around 5 to 6 years old. Body weight can fluctuate seasonally, with breeding-age males potentially losing 25 to 30 percent of their weight during the rut.
Diet and habitat quality are important for a deer’s growth and health. Abundant, high-quality forage, rich in protein, supports greater body size and weight. Nutritional deficiencies can lead to decreased body weights and lasting effects. Areas with lower forage abundance or high deer population densities can result in smaller deer due to increased competition.
Genetic factors also contribute to a deer’s potential body size, though environmental influences often dictate whether that potential is realized. Health and disease can severely impact a deer’s weight. Conditions like Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) cause progressive weight loss, even when food is available, and can ultimately lead to death.
Understanding Record Weights
Record weights for white-tailed deer represent exceptional individuals that significantly exceed average sizes. These rare instances result from an optimal combination of age, superior genetics, and access to ideal habitat with abundant, high-quality nutrition. Some record-setting bucks have approached or surpassed 400 pounds live weight.
One notable example is a buck from Minnesota in 1926, estimated to weigh 511 pounds live weight, with a field-dressed weight of 403 pounds. Another buck from Ontario in 1977 reportedly had a dressed weight of 431 pounds, estimated at over 540 pounds live weight.