Deer and elk are members of the same family and have many things genetically in common. However, there are some areas, such as size and appearance, in which they significantly diverge. Key differences between deer and elk include: Mature male elk weigh around 700 pounds, while deer weigh 300 pounds. Elk antlers are significantly larger than those of deer, and point upward at a steeper angle. Elk can stand five feet tall at the shoulder. Deer typically top out at three and a half feet. Elk have a shaggy coat, while deer have a short coat.