How Much Does Venison Backstrap Cost Per Pound?

Venison backstrap, also known as venison loin, is considered one of the most prized cuts of meat from a deer. But with venison being a specialty meat, how much does this tender cut actually cost per pound? Let’s take a closer look.

An Overview of Venison Cuts

There are a variety of cuts that can be obtained from a deer. The three main sections are:

• Front shoulders – This includes cuts like the mock tenders, chuck roasts, stew meat, and ground venison.

• Back and loins – The rib and loin areas produce cuts like backstrap, tenderloin, rib chops, T-bones, and sirloin

• Hindquarters – Round steaks, rump roasts, shanks, and additional ground meat come from this area.

The backstrap is part of the back and loin section It runs along either side of the deer’s spine from the front shoulders to the hindquarters When removed, the backstraps are two long, cylindrical strips of meat.

Why Is Venison Backstrap So Expensive?

Due to its location along the back of the deer, the backstrap is a very lean, tender cut of meat. It contains very little connective tissue or fat. This gives the backstrap a fine texture and mild flavor that many find superior to other venison cuts.

The backstrap also yields very little waste when trimmed. There is no large bones or heavy fat deposits to remove. You get nearly 100% usable meat.

Additionally, the backstrap makes up a very small percentage of a deer’s total body weight. Harvesting two backstraps from a deer results in only about 1 to 2 pounds of meat.

With its combination of tenderness, flavor, and limited supply, backstrap is considered a true delicacy among wild game meats. This understandably drives the price per pound above other venison cuts.

Typical Price Per Pound of Venison Backstrap

Based on research of online specialty meat retailers and butcher shops, here are some typical price ranges:

• Domestic farmed venison backstrap – $18 to $26 per pound

• Wild venison backstrap – $22 to $32 per pound

However, prices can climb above $40 per pound for premium offerings like Wagyu-style venison backstrap.

At the lower end, you may find deals around $14 per pound from local hunters and butcher shops. But this usually represents lower grade meat. Prime backstrap commands premium pricing.

Cost Breakdown for a Whole Venison Backstrap

To estimate cost on a full backstrap, let’s assume 1.5 pounds of meat from an average size whitetail deer. That would yield about two 8 to 10 ounce backstrap steaks.

Based on $22 per pound for wild venison:

• 1.5 lb backstrap x $22 per lb = $33

So for a whole backstrap from a wild deer, expect to pay around $30 to $35 on average. Again, this may rise over $60 for Wagyu-style or other premium product.

Saving Money on Backstrap

If the high price of backstrap has you considering other venison cuts, here are some tips:

• Purchase the whole loin primal and butcher it yourself into backstrap and tenderloins. This spreads the cost over more meat.

• Choose venison rib chops or T-bones instead. Also flavorful premium cuts but usually a few dollars cheaper per pound.

• Buy frozen backstrap when you find it on sale. Defrost safely in the fridge before use.

• Connect with local hunters that may sell whole deer for processing. Keep the backstraps for yourself.

• Consider farmed venison backstrap for milder flavor at a lower cost.

Is It Worth Paying More for Backstrap?

Due to its reputation for tenderness and flavor, venison backstrap remains a splurge item for most wild game fans. Even at $30+ per pound, it makes an impressive steak or roast for special occasions.

For the venison connoisseur, the added cost brings one of the best meat eating experiences you’ll find. It’s a prime cut worthy of its price tag.

So while venison backstrap sits at the top of the price list, its memorable eating quality helps justify the cost for true deer meat aficionados.