I always gut them where they are. I've never seen any ill effect from it either. In fact, one of the best deer I ever took was about 20yds from a 1 day old gutpile when I shot him. With all the critters around, they only last a day or two anyhow where I hunt. I really can't imagine NOT gutting one right there. I guess if I was hunting in a neighborhood or something maybe it would be different.