Nothing wrong with taking the time to do the job right, after all, you're the one eating it. It generally takes me between 5 to 7 hours I would say once I get it hung and start skinning. I am very particular with skinning to keep from getting any hair on the meat. I always end up with some but hey, I try. Some people say I get a little to carried away with trying to save every little piece of meat but it just tastes so good!!