RE: Tough as leather.
Well I live and hunt Mchenry County IL and have three does so far 06'.
Ihave personally cut/cooked/and prepared meat from all three deer.
Over the last three years i have found moisture to be the key in my "straight cuts".So my field prefrence is to bring out my "FORMAN Grill", plug it into the old dodge pickup and cook them right there.Moisture being the key.Good Luck