i have been doing my own meat processing for over 25 years and have never had any problem with getting sick or meat going bad,with that said i will leave de-boned deer meat in a good cooler for up to 14 days but 7 to 10 is best,but you must keep the water drained off i just leave the drain plug open.There must be ice on the bottom of meat on the sides and on top. To help with the cost of ice i buy balloons and filled them with water and put them in the freezer,but don't touch them untill they are froze solid.