i've never tasted any venison that was "gamey". here in the deep south, we skin, quarter and butcher right away. i have never soaked or hung up any of my venison. maybe it's something about ya'lls yankee deer? ofcourse here in the deep south our deer are smaller because they virtually have no fat, no need to store fat because our winters are very mild...just a thought but you might wanna check and see if the extra fat has anything to do with the taste?