Question?

Dear Wild Game Guy,
As an avid big game hunter I have heard conflicting arguments regarding whether or not to skin my animal prior to taking it to my processor! I find that it stays cleaner if I have the hide on. Some say take it off right away, while others say leave it on! What is your posture?
Bill
Culbertson, Mt.

Answer!

Bill,
Excellent question! Such an often overlooked part of the hunting experience! First off, as far as keeping your animal clean, the hide offers great protection from not only dirt but, also keeps it from drying out.
Skinning your animal is one of the most important pieces of the wild game puzzle. If “quality meat” is your goal then skinning should be “numero uno” on your post harvest list of things to do!
Why??? Understand that this is a perishable product that you are working with and time is always looking over your shoulders.
When an animal expires the natural process of decomposition begins immediately. Decay works it’s magic best in a warm environment, while slows down in a cool one. (Think of this, you can keep a steak in the refrigerator only a few days, but in the freezer for months or even years.)
So, with all this said, your game animal needs to be cooled as soon as possible. Just mere “gutting” will not achieve this only skinning will rid your animal of all its body temperature. But, wait! There is more! With all I have said, there is one more piece. Once your animal is skinned it needs air circulation around the entire carcass as this will give it the complete cooling that is needed.
To get the highest quality meat there is a process of necessary steps and the first is skinning!
Hope this helps!

WGG