I agree with Lunkerdog on this one 100%. Also, if an animal is going to be mounted by a taxidermist it should be caped out ASAP by the taxidermist or someone who is versed in that and the cape taken to the taxidermist post haste, regardless of the weather so that the hide can be properly processed to prevent hair slippage, etc. If it is not going to be mounted, then if the weather is cold the carcass can be hung for a reasonable length of time before it is processed.