The fellows I' ve hunted Elk with hang them rear feet up and skin them soon after to get them cooled down as soon as possible. I' ve always hung my deer head up. I believe it very important to open the chest cavity up and hold it open with a stick to allow the body to cool properly. The chest unopened with the hide on can keep a lot of heat that can affect the meat. I think it' s even more true with bigger game like Elk or Moose.

MinnFinn