Deer Processing: Pro's & Con's

[Navy Chief]

OK, this may not be the correct forum but here goes (Moderator, please move if needed).

For years I have always processed my own deer so maybe I have an inflated sense of how much meat I should get as a percentage of field dressed weight. Recently I took a deer to a local processor and was "less than pleased" with the amount I got back. Buck field dressed at 136# and I got about 40# back in the form of ground (about 18#), roasts (about 10#), back strap/tenderloin/steak (about 12#).  My questions are (1) is this a "normal" return for a processor, (2) do any of you do your own processing and, if so, what do you typically get from your deer, and (3) what do you see as the Pro's and Con's of DIY butchering? Thanks and keep shooting!

[Chucktshoes]

Tagged for interest. 

[Omega]

Seem to recal 40% being the average, plus or minus shot meat, lean vs fat etc.  I would say they are a bit shy of that, but l guess it depends on what condition the deer was in when you brought it in, and whether you got "your" deer back.

[Handsome Rob]

I'm super picky & thorough when I butcher. I process deer for myself & 3 friends & unless there is serious meat damage (bloodshot, bone fragments dirt etc....) I get right at 45% That's including the rib meat & neck.

99% of processors deal with hams, legs, loins & that's it. It's super rare to find one that'll strip & clean the neck/ribs because it's just not cost effective for them.

What you got back seems to be about in line with what I'd expect.

[peejman]

Processors bang through it as fast as they can. Watch a few videos and see how careful and thorough they are. Given what I've heard from hunters I work with, I also wouldn't have great confidence that I'd get my deer back. 

[gregintenn]

I get more meat from a commercial processor than I produce butchering a deer myself. My final product is also superior to the butcher's. Perhaps I dispose of too much waste, but what I'm left with sure is good eating. Th dogs also get several meals from my scrap, so all is not lost.