Kevin Steffey, Author at Deer Hunting Field

How Much Meat From a Deer – Quick and Easy Way to Estimate Venison Yields

For most hunters, the venison acquired during a hunt is a bonus to the thrill of the hunt itself. If you’re working with limited space in your freezer, and most of us are, a vital question to answer is “how much meat from a deer?” Read on, and soon you’ll be an expert in figuring out how much venison you’ll be able to get from that beautiful whitetail you just harvested.

So, How Much Venison am I Getting?

For our purposes here, all of these calculations will concern lean, boneless venison. If you leave the fat on the meat or make “chops” which include the bone you’ll have more overall weight but in the end, the amount of meat will be pretty much the same.

As a general rule of thumb, you’re most likely to get a bit under fifty percent of the field dressed weight of the deer.

If you’re on your first hunt, you might be surprised to know that the average buck weighs around a hundred and fifty pounds or so, while does will mostly range about a hundred pounds. The average weight can go up by about twenty pounds or so depending on the area you’re hunting in, but whitetail really aren’t that large of an animal.

Bigger bucks can weigh up to three hundred pounds, of course, but despite the tall tales of hunters these fabled bucks aren’t the kind you’ll be bringing in every season, especially as a beginner. They’re usually the ones who all the hunters in the area have seen or heard of but no one has managed to harvest just yet.

In general, field dressing will remove about thirty percent of the weight of the deer. For those unfamiliar, this would include gutting the deer to remove the innards before packing them out. The actual percentage will vary from deer to deer, but thirty percent is a fairly safe estimate for most deer.

If that sounds like a lot of math to you, then don’t worry too much about it. Essentially you can estimate the venison yield of a deer at around thirty to forty percent of its live weight.

The Flaw of Crunching the Numbers

While we could certainly give you an equation for the amount of venison you’ll receive from a deer, and we will, there’s a lot of additional factors which will come into play in the real world. It’s rarely as simple as whipping out your calculator and knowing how much meat you’ll have.

There’s going to be waste, no matter how good of a butcher you are. Improper here and there during the butchering process can take a few percentile points off of the meat you’re harvesting, you may trim too close to the meat and shave some off while you’re trimming the fat, and there will be some accidents pretty much no matter what.

With a bit of practice, there’s no need to send your deer off to the butcher, however. Most of us are competent enough to be able to handle the task ourselves.

The actual musculature of the deer itself will certainly have a lot to do with it as well, some deer will just be “buffer” and have more meat and less fat while others might be pleasantly plump which imparts some extra flavor but will lower the overall yield once the fat is cut away.

Essentially, no matter how complex of an equation you use to determine the exact weight of the venison you’ll be stuffing away at home you’re still making a rough estimation.

FURTHER READING➜ How Fast Can A Deer Run – How Hard Would It Be To Catch A Frightened Deer On The Run➜ How To Attract Deer Fast- 6 Steps That Will Have You Attracting Whitetail Like A Pro➜ How To Get Deer To Come To You In 6 Easy Steps

Let’s Get to the Math

Using the figures we’ve applied so far, we can come up with a pretty simple equation to give you an estimate of how much meat you’ll receive from the deer in question:

(Full Weight*.7)*.45 = Weight of Lean, Boneless Venison

We used .45 because the figure is usually estimated to be between forty and fifty percent of the field dressed weight of the deer.

You can also work this equation in reverse if you’re looking to brag about how big the buck you shot was, but it’s best to weigh the deer while its field dressed and add the extra thirty percent since wastage during the butchering process will mess with your calculations for the live weight.

Alright Poindexter, Just Give Me an Average

If you’re disinclined to use math at all, well, your average buck is going to give you between 45 and 65lbs of meat once cleaned. This figure can vary quite a bit, and it’s probably a good idea to make sure you have room for about 65lbs of meat to be stored per tag you intend to use during the season.

Does will yield around 30 to 40lbs of venison once cleaned due to their smaller size.

Conclusion

There you go, you now have the tools to know how much meat from a deer you’ll be able to get this upcoming season. The truth is, you’re better off with averages if you’re calculating how much you can store, and the main use of these equations is probably bragging rights to calculate how much the entire deer weighed when it was still alive. Either way, happy hunting!

Did you enjoy our article? Have some questions or comments? Let us know below!

FAQ

How much meat do you get from a 130 pound deer?

Much of the deer’s meat is in the form of muscle, with smaller amounts in organs and fat.A 130-pound deer will yield about 40 pounds (0.9 kg) of edible meat. This break down would be 30% in visible, lean tissue like steaks and roasts; 25% in ground products like hamburger; 20% fats; 15% bone products; 5% other, including offal or organ meats; and 1/2 lb (225g) sinew for use as seasoning/wrapping materials. The offal, tendons, hearts, brains etc., are often turned into sausage or chitterlings.”

How much is a whole deer worth in meat?

A whole deer is worth anywhere from $50 to $70 per pound for meat.Information to include in the answer: Anywhere from $0.55 – 0.65 per ounce depending on the weight of the animal, whether its male or female, what it’s cut up into, etc.The average weight for a deer is 350 pounds with around 181-182 pounds being usable flesh which would mean about 1/4 of one deer can be turned into cooked meat at 12 lbs per person which would provide 36-48 servings if fully petted by hand and processed in strips after cooking – enough for 18-27 people with plenty left over!

Is deer meat healthy for you?

Yes, as long as it’s pastured and grass fed.

Deer meat is a lean form of protein with lower levels of saturated fat than beef. Grass-fed deer meat typically contains less total fat and less cholesterol than grain-fed beef, and it tastes much finer (some people even say “gourmet”). It’s healthier and contains more benefits.

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Planting Soybeans For Deer – When Is The Best Time To Plant Soybeans For Deer?

This is an important question with more than one answer; you could waste a lot of time and money planting at the wrong time, and depending on what you are trying to achieve, and where you are geographically, the answer could vary greatly. A few of the things we will look at:

What is the effect you hope to have on your herd?
Are you trying to lower your winter kill rates?
Are you trying to increase the size and antler mass of your resident bucks?
Is this a plot you are preparing to hunt over during deer season?
What geographical location are you planting in?

By answering these questions, I will help you to decide when the best time to plant soybeans for your deer is.

Why are you planting soybeans for deer?

It seems like a pretty simple question and answer, but is it really? Many people plant soybeans with the intent of creating body and antler mass in their resident bucks. Of course any time you can feed your deer quality nutrition, you are going to see corresponding growth in both areas.

But what if your region experiences extremely harsh winters? Might it not be beneficial to provide a crop that can help your deer herd through winter, reducing the winter mortality rates?

If your intention is to create a few monster bucks for hunting season, then by all means, get those beans in the ground as early as possible. You will want the high protein and mineral forage available to your herd during the crucial time they are in velvet.

If this is the case, you will want to plant after your last spring frost and when the soil temps, at one inch planting depth, are consistently 65 degrees Fahrenheit. This usually means late May or early June in the northern states, and late April or early May in the southern.

Keep in mind, you will either need a large enough plot to bear the feeding pressure of your resident herd, or you will need to deter them from feeding in some manner until the plants are mature.

It is a good idea to deter feeding for 4-8 weeks in areas with heavy deer pressure, during cooler than normal temperatures, or if your plot is a small one.

When should I plant if I am trying to reduce winter kill in my deer herd?

In some areas with extremely harsh winters, where the mortality rate is high among your deer herds, then planting later, and providing forage as late into the winter months as possible, might be the answer for you.

Soybeans have a tendency to mature faster when planted later in the growing season. For every three days you delay planting, you only delay “harvest” by one day. Keep in mind that a good frost will kill them, so ideally you need those plants to be mature before that happens.

In the northern states, the first frost can come as early as mid September, so you will have to plan accordingly for your shorter growing seasons. There are good seed companies out there.

that have seed mixes specifically for your geographic area. They mix several varieties of soybean that have staggered maturation rates, keeping your plots viable for a longer period of time

Are you planning on hunting your food plot?

If you are planning on being able to hunt over your food plot, come hunting season, then of course you will need to have your bean crop mature enough to draw the big bucks with the promise of good, high fat and protein forage.

Deer use the fat in soybeans to help maintain their body temperature, so when the nights are getting cold during hunting season, they will likely be drawn to your food plot. Of course, in order to do this, your plot must be producing a good quantity of seed pods, as this is where the majority of these nutrients are held.

With this goal in mind, I would plant as late as possible while still allowing your soybeans to mature and produce as much as possible. This has the further benefit of providing nutrition to your herd well after hunting season closes, when they need it the most, allowing you to retain more and healthier deer for the next season.

FURTHER READING➜Do You Know When To Plant Food Plot For Deer?

➜ What Do Deer Eat In The Winter?

As you can see, the question of when to plant soy beans for deer is a complicated one.

There are so many variables to take into account, that there really isn’t one standard answer. We talked about the impact that you are hoping for on your deer herds, whether you are trying to create mass in your bucks, we talked about winter mortality, how the plots will be utilized, we even touched on geographical requirements and planting seasons.

This is a lot of information to consider for such a simple question as, “When should I plant soy beans for deer”, but I hope that I at least made the decision a bit more clear-cut, and gave you some things to think about before you put seed in the ground.

How To Bleach A Deer Skull-No Waste: 5 Simple Steps to a Beautiful Skull Trophy

When it comes to hunting, one of the best parts for many of us is taking and cleaning trophies. Whether it’s a rack of antlers or a pelt, they make for impressive talking pieces. One of the favored of deer hunters everywhere is a nice, white skull.

It’s something of an involved process, but if you follow these instructions we can show you how to bleach a deer skull to a sparkling white that will leave you the envy of your hunting friends.

In this blog post, we’re going to show you how to bleach a deer skull. This is a great way to preserve your hunting trophy and keep it looking its best.

We’ll walk you through the steps of prepping the skull, bleaching it, and then sealing it. With just a little bit of effort, you can have a beautiful trophy that will last for years to come. Let’s get started!

What is a bleach a deer skull

Bleaching a deer skull is the process of using Hydrogen peroxide to remove all the flesh and tissue from the bone, leaving behind a clean white skeleton. This is typically done by boiling the skull in a large pot, though there are other methods which can be used.

The advantage of bleaching your own deer skull is that you can control the level of whiteness, as well as how long it takes for the process to be completed. It also allows you to add any additional decorations or finishes that you desire.

The downside of this method is that it can be quite time consuming, and if not done properly can result in damage to the skull. It is also important to note that hydrogen peroxide is a hazardous chemical and should be handled with care.

Why bleach a deer skull?

The most common reason to want a bleached deer skull is for mounting purposes. A nice, white skull makes for an excellent contrast against a dark pelt and really makes the rack stand out. It’s also much easier to work with when it comes to hanging or attaching to plaques and logs.

Another good reason is that it just looks cool. If you’re looking for a unique piece to add to your décor, a bleached deer skull definitely fits the bill. They make great conversation starters and can really add some personality to a room.

What You’ll Need

Make sure to gather what you need before you get started. Since the process will take a few days, we’ll list them in the order you’ll need them to give you a good overview of the whole thing and you can definitely purchase things as you go.

Deer Head
Sharp Hunting or Skinning Knife
A Pot Large Enough for the Skull
A Two By Four Big Enough to Fit Across the Pot

Hydrogen Peroxide of at Least 6% Concentration
Spray On Clear Coat in Your Desired Finish
Optional: A Plaque or Log

If you’re averse to boiling, you might want to look into deremestid beetles and if you’re not the type who’s willing to raise them yourself then there are services available online which can handle the cleaning process for you with them. You’ll definitely want to invest if your deer is a true trophy, as it reduces the risk of damage from boiling.

The hydrogen peroxide can be a bit difficult to source in large enough quantities and chemical suppliers are generally unwilling to sell them to private individuals. It is, however, used for bleaching hair and is available through hair product suppliers quite easily.

Do not attempt to use bleach in lieu of hydrogen peroxide, it will damage the bone irreversibly and makes for an inferior whitening agent anyways.

How To Bleach A Deer Skull- In 5 Steps

1.) Cleaning the Skull

Before you can even begin the process, you’ll need to have skinned and scraped the skull to get it ready for the further preparations you’ll be wanting to do. Removing the head with a saw before preparation can make things rather easy, then remove the eyes and get to skinning and scraping.

Assuming you’ve cleaned a deer before, the initial part is quite simple but the scraping is a little bit more specialized of a skill. With a good knife, you can make short work of this task. Don’t worry too much about getting every little bit off of the bone just yet, that’ll be taken care of in the next step.

Your goal here is to get as much off as you can without damaging the skull in any visual way, so have at it and try not to scratch the bones.

Protip: You can skip this and the next step if you want by utilizing deremestid beetles, professionals who work with bones often opt to do this but it’s an entirely different skillset if you don’t opt to send your skull off.

2.) Boiling

Once you’ve done the rough cleaning, it’s time to start the process in earnest. You’ll begin by adding calcium carbonate to water at a ratio of ¼ cup per gallon of water. This can be a bit tricky of a process, but as long as you’re careful you’ll be good.

Bring the treated water to a rolling boil, but do not add the skull to the water while it’s at this level). Allow temperature levels to fall to a simmer and place the skull in the water for thirty minutes or so. Scrape it again, the flesh and hair bits should come off easily.

Once you’ve done this, use a hose to clear out the nasal tissues and brain and boil for another twenty minutes or so if there’s still tissue left. Don’t over-boil, this can damage the jaw, loosen the teeth, and have other unintended side effects which will make your trophy less attractive.

Protip: You can easily keep the antlers clear of the water by hooking them onto a board held over the pot. Use wood thick enough it won’t bend from a little bit of steam and you’ll be golden.

3.) Peroxide Whitening

You’ll want to let the skull dry out entirely before this step, allow it to sit until there’s no moisture at all. It’s best to do this in the shade, although it will add some time the slower drying process can avoid damage to the skull.

It’s imperative to set up the bath in this instance without getting the antlers in it. Hydrogen peroxide can be a bit difficult to source in quantities, so try hair dressing suppliers. Anything from 12% down will work pretty well, higher concentrations aren’t ideal and are harder to get ahold of anyways.

Mix it 50/50 with water and allow it to soak until it’s reached a desired level of brightness, the bone will actually dry out and look a bit lighter than it does while wet. The process can take a few days, but don’t forget about the skull or you can damage it.

4.)Clear Coat Lacquer the Skull

Once you’ve let the peroxide dry off, you can quite easily help to maintain the finish of your skull and antlers for a Euro-mount or whatever use you want to keep it for by applying a clear coat of spray lacquer.

The finish you want to go for will depend on your personal tastes. I like to use a matte finish to give the sun-bleached, untouched bone look but some will prefer to go with a gloss or satin finish which can result in a very attractive finished skull albeit one that’s obviously been altered post-bleaching.

This doesn’t just give your skull a nice finish, it can also help to prevent mold or anything else from getting into it and will keep air from yellowing the skull for a long time to come.

5.) Optional: Mounting

Many hunters opt for the attractive Euro-mount style after finishing their skulls off. The skull will be placed on a plaque, parallel to the wall and facing downwards in order to show off the rack.

Many hunters will opt to use a belt sander to level out the bottom of the skull and ensure a flush mount in order to maintain a perfect angle. You can easily attach it by running two screws through the back of the plaque and into the skull just be careful about the length and placement as you don’t want things to protrude.

A more creative mount can be made by slicing the front piece of a log out with the bark included, screwing the skull on, and then reattaching the front of the log to make for a round “post” style of mount.

Tips for bleaching a deer skull

1. Thoroughly clean the skull before bleaching to avoid any damage.

2. Use a mild bleach solution and let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour.

3. Scrub the skull gently with a toothbrush to remove any remaining flesh or tissue.

4. Rinse the skull well and allow it to dry completely before applying a clear coat of lacquer.

5. Optionally, you can mount the skull using a belt sander to ensure a flush mount.

6. Enjoy your beautiful deer skull!

Conclusion

We hope that we’ve given you some ideas on how to bleach a deer skull and what to do with it afterwards. While hunting strictly for trophies is often frowned upon, there’s no need to let any of the animal go to waste once it’s been harvested and with a few simple steps you can make an attractive trophy with minimal fuss and skills required.

Like our tutorial? Have your own methods? Let us know in the comments below.

FAQ How To Bleach A Deer Skull

How do you keep a deer skull from rotting?

The best way to keep a deer skull from rotting is to thoroughly clean it and then apply a clear coat of lacquer. This will seal the skull and prevent any air or moisture from getting in and causing it to rot.

How do you get the brains out of a deer skull for mounting?

The easiest way to remove the brains from a deer skull is to boil it for 30 minutes to an hour. This will loosen up the brain matter and make it easier to remove. You can then rinse the skull well and allow it to dry completely before mounting.

How do you clean a deer skull for euro mount?

The best way to clean a deer skull for euro mount is to boil it for 30 minutes to an hour. This will loosen up the brain matter and make it easier to remove. You can then rinse the skull well and allow it to dry completely before mounting.

How long does it take to bleach a deer skull?

It usually takes around 24 hours for the bleach to work its magic on a deer skull. However, you may need to let it soak for longer if the skull is particularly dirty or greasy.

How do you whiten a deer skull?

The best way to whiten a deer skull is to use a mild bleach solution and let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour. You can then scrub the skull gently with a toothbrush to remove any remaining flesh or tissue. Rinse the skull well and allow it to dry completely before applying a clear coat of lacquer.

What do you use to bleach a deer skull?

The best thing to use to bleach a deer skull is a mild bleach solution. You can make your own by mixing one part bleach with ten parts water. Let the skull soak in the solution for 30 minutes to an hour before scrubbing it gently with a toothbrush. Rinse the skull well and allow it to dry completely before applying a clear coat of lacquer.

How long do you soak a deer skull in bleach?

You can soak a deer skull in bleach for anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. However, you may need to let it soak for longer if the skull is particularly dirty or greasy.

What is the best way to mount a deer skull?

The best way to mount a deer skull is to use a belt sander to ensure a flush mount. You can also attach it by running two screws through the back of the plaque and into the skull just be careful about the length and placement as you don’t want things to protrude. A more creative mount can be made by slicing the front piece of a log out with the bark included, screwing the skull on, and then reattaching the front of the log to the back. This will give the skull a 3-D look.

Can you put a deer skull in the oven to dry it?

You can put a deer skull in the oven to dry it but be very careful not to overheat it as this could cause the Lacquer to melt or the bone to crack. A better option is to use a hair dryer on low setting if you need to speed up the drying process.

How do you whiten an old deer skull?

You can whiten an old deer skull by using a mild bleach solution and letting it soak for 30 minutes to an hour. You can then scrub the skull gently with a toothbrush to remove any remaining flesh or tissue. Rinse the skull well and allow it to dry completely before applying a clear coat of lacquer.

How do you clean a deer skull cap?

The best way to clean a deer skull cap is to boil it for 30 minutes to an hour. This will loosen up the brain matter and make it easier to remove. You can then rinse the skull well and allow it to dry completely before mounting.

How do you get the meat off a deer skull?

The easiest way to remove the meat from a deer skull is to boil it for 30 minutes to an hour. This will loosen up the brain matter and make it easier to remove. You can then rinse the skull well and allow it to dry completely before mounting.

Can you put a deer skull in the dishwasher?

You can put a deer skull in the dishwasher but be very careful not to overheat it as this could cause the Lacquer to melt or the bone to crack. A better option is to use a hair dryer on low setting if you need to speed up the drying process.

How do you clean a deer skull for wall mounting?

The best way to clean a deer skull for wall mounting is to boil it for 30 minutes to an hour. This will loosen up the brain matter and make it easier to remove. You can then rinse the skull well and allow it to dry completely before mounting.

Is it legal to possess a deer skull?

In most states, it is legal to possess a deer skull as long as it is not attached to the carcass. However, it is always best to check with your local wildlife department to be sure.

What do you do with a deer skull?

There are many things you can do with a deer skull including mounting it, using it for crafts, or simply collecting it. You can also have it professionally cleaned and whitened to create a unique piece of art.

How much does it cost to get a deer skull cleaned?

The average cost to have a deer skull cleaned is $50 but this can vary depending on the size and condition of the skull. It is also important to factor in the cost of shipping if you plan on having it done by a professional.

Where can I find a deer skull?

You can find a deer skull at many different places including hunting stores, online retailers, and even some thrift stores. You can also find skulls for sale on websites like eBay and Craigslist.

How do you clean a deer skull with the meat still on it?

The best way to clean a deer skull with the meat still on it is to boil it for 30 minutes to an hour. This will loosen up the brain matter and make it easier to remove. You can then rinse the skull well and allow it to dry completely before mounting.

Can you use vinegar to clean a deer skull?

Yes, you can use vinegar to clean a deer skull but be sure to dilute it with water as undiluted vinegar can damage the bone. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to the vinegar solution to help mask the smell.

What is the best way to clean a deer skull?

The best way to clean a deer skull is to boil it for 30 minutes to an hour. This will loosen up the brain matter and make it easier to remove. You can then rinse the skull well and allow it to dry completely before mounting.

How do you remove the brain from a deer skull?

The easiest way to remove the brain from a deer skull is to boil it for 30 minutes to an hour. This will loosen up the brain matter and make it easier to remove. You can then rinse the skull well and allow it to dry completely before mounting.

Can you use bleach to clean a deer skull?

Yes, you can use bleach to clean a deer skull but be sure to dilute it with water as undiluted bleach can damage the bone. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to the bleach solution to help mask the smell.

How long does it take to Whiten a deer skull?

The amount of time it takes to whiten a deer skull will vary depending on the method you use. If you are using a chemical whitener, it could take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. If you are using a natural method like soaking in the sun, it could take weeks or even months.

What is the best way to Whiten a deer skull?

The best way to whiten a deer skull is to use a chemical whitener specifically designed for skulls. These can be found at many hunting and taxidermy stores. You can also find them online at retailers like Amazon.com.