A few years ago, a buddy and I both shot bucks at 6:00pm. We had a terrible time getting his buck out of the woods (got lost in a new area) and had to wait until I got off work the next day to go back for mine. The temps were in the mid 70's and we found mine at about 4:30pm. I had a meat inspector "inspect" the meat and she said it was fine. I butchered it and it was some of the best we've ever had--no ill affects whatsoever.