The deer and elk share the same taxonomical family. Elk can run at a speed of 45 miles per hour whereas deer can run with speed up to 30 miles per hour. The elks can run slightly faster than deer. The elk is generally seen traveling in large groups. Were you aware that it is possible that a herd of elk can have over a hundred elks? The deer usually are seen in groups but the number of individuals is fewer in number.

The hard physique of the elk helps them to overcome hurdles in the rough mountainous terrains. Talking about their physique, the elk have hard physique flooring, while the deer possess soft physique flooring. The elk is larger and heavier in size and has an antler that is much larger than deer. When it comes to body size and appearance there is a significant difference between them. This is why we can obtain more meat from the elk. The average weight of a deer is approximately 300 kg while the weight of an elk is 500 kg. To most of the North American Hunters, the meat of an elk is the best. The high amount of iron and protein is also present in its meat. Firstly, there is fewer amounts of calorie in elk meat than beef. Elk meat is healthy for a number of reasons. Elk venison comprises of dark red texture and has zero fat meat. 30-60 pounds of boneless meat can be obtained from a deer and approximately 100-300 pounds of meat can be obtained from the elk. The meat of deer and elk is very rich in protein.

The deer usually lives for 15 to 25 years, where the elk lives only for 10 to 13 years. The lifespan of elk is slightly less than that of a deer. The scientific name of elk is Cervus Canadensis and the deer is Cervidae. Either you’re looking for deer or elk it is very much necessary to carry the right kind of gear and wear the proper kind of outfit as the way of approaching them is different. The deer may range over a couple of miles while the elk range over more than 500 miles. On the other hand, the elk range over a vast area, making it difficult to spot them in the wilderness. The deer ranges over a small area and can be easily located. While you are out there hunting, make sure that you have the proper gears and supplies. While hunting a deer you don’t seem to face a lot of obstacles but when it comes to elks, you have to hike your way up to some of the roughest terrains. The deer are typically found in forests or along with the edge habitats while the elks are found in the woodlands or in the meadows. Comparison Chart of Deer Vs Elk Distinction Deer Elk Habitat Grasslands, forest and deserts Mountainous forests Body Size 3.5 feet 5 feet Antlers Shorter than 4 feet 4 feet Appearance Grey coat Shaggy brown coat Speed 30 miles per hour 45 miles per hour Diet High growing plants Grass Sound High pitched Very loud Tracks Pointed Larger and rounded Key Differences:Įlks are found in North and East America and the deer are found all over the world. The size of the shoulders of an elk is 4.5- 5ft while the shoulder size of a deer is not more than 3-3.5 ft. The elks are taller in size than a typical deer. They have a light-grayish yellowish-brown “rump patch” and the color of their body is lighter compared to their legs and necks. An elk can be easily identified by noticing their appearance.

There are some clear signs by while it is very easy to distinguish an elk from a deer.

Wrapping Up The main difference between deer and elk.

The main difference between deer and elk.

Elk vs deer meat