RE: How soon can you eat deer meat?
DO NOT wash your deer with water after field dressing! This may promote bacteria growth. Take your time during gutting and take everything from the throat to the anus out. I like to take the hide off and slip a game bag over it while the carcass is still warm. Prop chest cavity open and cool down as soon as possible and let hang for 5-6 days if weather is below 40 degrees