Coming across a deer in the wild would be the perfect opportunity to get a large source of protein.
But how many people can a deer feed?
The average-sized deer can feed anywhere between 100-150 persons at a time. Since the average-sized deer typically provides around 50 pounds of meat when properly butchered, each person can be fed close to a ½ pound of meat with each meal. More can be fed if each person eats less than a ½ pound of meat at a time.
If you want to learn more on the topic of how many people a deer can feed, as well as the nutritional benefits of eating deer meat in a survival situation, then simply continue reading below.
How Much Meat Can You Get From a Deer?
Size certainly matters when it comes to deer-to-meat ratios. As discussed above, the average yields around 50 of meat. The Ohio white-tailed deer, for example, average 52.19 pounds of meat per animal. Thus, serving ½ pound of meat feeds 100 people.
However, there are larger deer species that can provide even more meat. We’ll use the large mule deer buck as an example. This massive deer yields approximately 100 pounds of boneless venison.
So once again, if we assume that each person consumes ½ pound of meat per serving, that equals out to 200 people. Of course, if less meat is consumed, the number of people will be even greater.
As a survivalist, catching a deer in the wild will ensure that you’ll have more than enough meat to survive. That said, it’s important to know the best ways to consume venison. Now, granted, you’re limited to which techniques you can use in a survival situation.
But if you’re able to take the remaining deer meat home, you’ll have a wealth of options available to you to ensure you get the best use of your prized venison. Below are some of the most popular preparation methods, as well as a discussion on the benefits of eating deer meat.
Why You Should Eat Venison
It’s important to eat venison. Not only is it better for you than beef, pork, or other red meat, but it also provides an excellent source of lean protein.
And although venison has slightly higher cholesterol levels than other types of meat, it’s lower in fat. But that’s not all. Deer meat is high in iron and B vitamins, which help to maintain a healthy heart. So if you’re looking to improve your diet, swapping traditional store-bought meats for venison is a great place to start.
Admittedly, deer meat is an acquired taste for some people. But once you get used to the gamey flavor, your body will appreciate the nutritional value that venison brings to the table.
How to Cook Venison
Preparation is key, as it can make all the difference in the way your deer meat turns out. In fact, when properly prepared, venison is often tastier than beef and other types of meat.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy venison is over a grill or skillet. This method allows you to sear the meat to your liking, thus adding to the already-robust flavor. What’s more, I find these methods to be the easiest to reach the appropriate internal temperature.
From roasting to making sausage, there are numerous ways to enjoy your deer meat, including:
- Venison ribs
- Bottom-round jerky
- Round steak appetizers
- Top round
As you can see, deer meat is highly versatile, allowing you to enjoy it in many unique ways.
Top Preparation Methods
Venison can be cooked in a variety of ways and still taste great. Whether you prefer your venison to be grilled, roasted, or pan-seared, there are many different cooking techniques you can use.
Grilling: This is one of the most popular ways to cook venison. The best cuts for this type of cooking are tenderloins, backstraps, and top loins because they are easier to chew when they’re rare. When grilling venison, sear each side for about 2 minutes before turning the meat down to medium-low heat.
Roasting: You can roast venison any way you would roast beef, whether that’s in a roaster or in an oven. In general, this type of cooking requires about 3 hours at 350°F. Serve medium-rare.
Pan-Searing: Pan-searing is best for the more tender cuts of venison such as backstraps and tenderloins because they’ll cook more quickly than other cuts of meat. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon or two of oil until it shimmers slightly but isn’t smoking.
Place your steaks into the pan and cook them on each side for about 4 minutes before flipping them over again to cook on the other side. You will appreciate the tenderness and rich flavor in each cut.
How Many People Does a Deer Feed?
As we’ve discussed, bagging a deer in the wild will ensure your survival without fear of going hungry.
While it largely depends on the size of the animal, one deer can usually feed close to 100 people, if not more. That said, there are species of deer that yield nearly double the meat found in average deer. As such, you can expect to feed twice as many people, assuming everyone is eating ½ pound of meat.
If you find yourself in a survival situation and you’re able to bag a deer, you will have plenty of meat leftover to use as you wish. So if it’s at all possible, arrange for a way to take the deer home for processing.
You’ll be left with a freezer full of nutritious venison. This protein-packed meat gives you a healthier alternative to traditional beef and meats. And because it’s so versatile, you can prepare it in many different ways. With venison, you won’t get bored eating from the same animal for months on end.
Just be sure that you have plenty of room to store your deer meat, as it yields lots of different cuts.
