We get this question every hunting season, usually from hunters who have had their animal processed commercially and don't think they've gotten all their meat back. The average mule deer buck has a live weight of 150-250 pounds. Dressed weights will normally range from 120-190 pounds. When the carcass is further reduced (skinned, head removed and boned) the weight is reduced again. If the animal was shot in a major meaty area such as the hindquarters, or if a lot of trimming is involved due to dirt or a dried crust on the meat, there is more loss. It is not unusual for a forkhorn or doe to yield no more than 50 pounds of boned meat. Hunters can increase the yield by making better shots, keeping the carcass clean, and not skinning the animal until it is ready to be processed.