I have field dressed and butchered my own deer since the time I shot my first. MY friend always has and showed me how. Ive shot 14 deer in the 3 season Ive been hunting and did all the work. Hell, thats 1100 dollars right there I saved . Pays for 1/3 of my Illinois trip this year.
As far as it being mandatory. I feel everyone should atleast filed dress there own deer, hence the term "field dress"!