Iahuntr,you are right 'aging' deer is a waste of time. i don't agree that skinning is easier when the deer is still warm,i like to let them cool out overnight and then skin. i quarter it then and place it in the frig until i have time to process it.

uqmo2,soaking any meat will allow bacteria to form faster. any water left on meat will cause freezer burn also.
i have had butchers tell me that deer actually gets tougher the longer it hangs and that its best to freeze as soon as possible.