ST, I’m going to try the hide on on one deer next year. Just to see.
Try it. I've always left deer hang, but skinned. I was dubious about letting the hide on initially, but not anymore. Like I said, just don't forget normal procedures just because the hide is on. Chest cavity split all the way down and no blood left to pool. Splitting the hide down the neck and removing the trachea is pretty important IMO. I also cut the head off tight behind the ears, but I don't think that's something that's important either way.
Temperature is critical. Do that and you end up with venison that is perfectly aged, but no meat loss due to shrinkage, and doesn't dry out.
