I went back and re-read the original question, and maybe I should clarify my answer. I don't think that you should have to EVERY time, but I think you should have at least field dressed and skinned one a couple of times if you have killed very many deer. I believe you should be operating from a practical knowledge base and not a theoretical one, i.e. I read a book or something. Occasionally I will take a deer to the locker plant if it is late or I don't have much time, but it is always field dressed, and most of the time we butcher our own. I just feel it is a natural part of the process, and that is the way we do it. Just my opinion though, no big deal. My boys know without a doubt that meat comes from a living creature and not the grocery store. Nothing like watching a couple of boys poking around in deer guts saying "What's that?" or "Check this out!"