Hello everyone. I am new to this forum, and new to hunting as well. I just moved out to Maryland from California, and decided to try it out when deer season starts here in September. I do have a question though. After the shot is taken and the deer is down, about how much time do you have to field dress the deer, and get it on ice before the meat spoils? I have been told only about an hour, but I wanted to get some other opinions. For those of you that go on weekend hunting trips, do you just take a big ice chest with you and cut the meat up yourself? What are the different ways of ensuring the meat stays fresh, and the deer does not become a waste? Thanks for any input.