agree with everything on here so far. but one thing i have found is the scent glands located on the rear legs (tarsal glands). seep into the meat if you leave the skin on to long. if i am going to hang a buck up i will skin down the back legs until i get to the hams. this helps and cuts down on the musky, gamey taste a bit on a buck whether its 1.5 or 6.5