I have never heard of anyone purposely leaving the hide on.I want all the meat to get air circulation. But to each his own.I field dress him, skin him and get it to the cooler asap.35-40 degrees Hang it for 2-3 wks ,waiting for mold. Aged perfect. No need for a knife here. <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> I was driving down I-84 once and seen on a small flat bed trailer two 3 or 4 pts. (western count) mule deer.NOT cleaned or skinned <img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle> and about 80 degrees. Now that is sad.......fishon