How Much Does Venison Backstrap Cost Per Pound?

Venison backstrap, also known as venison loin, is 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 dig into the details.

An Overview of Venison Cuts

There are several cuts that can be obtained from a deer

• Front shoulders – This includes 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 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?

The backstrap is a very lean, tender cut due to its location along the deer’s back. It contains minimal connective tissue or fat, giving it a fine texture and mild flavor. Many find it superior to other venison cuts.

The backstrap also has very little waste when trimmed, with almost 100% usable meat Additionally, it makes up a small portion of a deer’s weight, yielding only 1-2 pounds per deer

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

Typical Price Per Pound

Based on research of specialty meat retailers and butcher shops:

• Domestic farmed venison backstrap – $18 to $26 per pound
• Wild venison backstrap – $22 to $32 per pound

However, prices can exceed $40 per pound for premium offerings like Wagyu-style backstrap. At the lower end, deals around $14 per pound from local hunters and butchers represent lower grade meat. Prime backstrap commands premium pricing.

Cost Breakdown for a Whole Backstrap

For a whole backstrap from an average whitetail deer yielding 1.5 pounds of meat:

• 1.5 lb backstrap x $22 per lb wild venison = $33

So expect to pay around $30 to $35 on average for a whole wild deer backstrap, possibly over $60 for premium products.

Saving Money on Backstrap

If the high price deters you from backstrap, consider:

• Buying the whole loin primal and butchering into backstrap and tenderloins yourself to spread cost.
• Choosing venison rib chops or T-bones – also flavorful premium cuts but usually cheaper per pound.
• Buying frozen backstrap on sale and defrosting safely before use.
• Getting whole deer from local hunters for processing, keeping the backstraps.
• Trying farmed venison backstrap with milder flavor at a lower cost.

Is Backstrap Worth the Splurge?

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 venison connoisseurs, the added cost brings one of the best meat eating experiences available. It’s a prime cut worthy of its price tag.

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