Dick-we never hang deer and elk here due to high temps and I don't believe with extremely lean meat it does much. I take my elk to a portable locker and drop it off so it probably does hang for a few days refrigerated. If I am stuck in the boonies I bone the meat off and get it in coolers and keep it dry. Has always been great stuff. This just applies to my buddies and others may tell you something else. My $.02.