Dead deer...

[Bakes168]

How long can I wait to skin and flesh a white tail hide (hair on) in 40 degree weather if I want to tan a good wall hanging hide?

Also, besides eating them and using the hide, in what ways can I make the most of a deer?

Bakes

[JimB]

The hide will probably last as long as the meat.Personally,if I want to keep a hide,I don't try to find out how long I can let it go,but I get right on it and get it done.Technically the spoiling process begins at time of death.If I am going through the expense of tanning something,I don't want to risk getting a hide back with bare spots.Therefore I always err on the side of caution and get the hide off fresh,flesh it and get it salted.You can skin a deer in an hour or often,a lot less.Like I say,you do have some time but if you want to be absolutely safe,do it fresh.I'm sure a day won't hurt but don't push it too far.

[pronghorn23]

I'd probably get it off as soon as possible. Or at least pack the body cavity with ice bags or frozen jugs of water.

You can use the brains for tanning the hide (if you want to go that route), european mount for the head if its a buck, sinew for bow backing or trading to others who could use it, feet for making bow and gun racks.

[pronghorn23]

There's a book titled "Making the Most of Your Deer" that explains alot of projects too..like soap and other stuff.

Meaning to get the book for awhile now for the same reason but haven't gotten around to it.

[caleb7mm]

40 degrees or LESS ide get on it within 24 hours

[**DONOTDELETE**]

You can order "Making The Most of Your Deer" from Kustom King. EXCELLENT book.

[Brian Krebs]

if the inside of the deer are out; and that includes the windpipe; then hanging the deer with the hide on- can be a preferable method.

 With the hide off; the outer layer of meat starts to dry and harden; and then that has to be trimmed off. Your dog might love you for it; but its time consuming and its really not nessesary.

 AS LONG as you get that deer down to the 40 degrees or lower FAST. When you say 40 degree weather; do you mean 40 in the day or night?

 I have often let deer hang in freezing weather at night; and 40s in the day for over a week; and the meat is fantastic--- even if I left the skin on until I started to get to butchering it.

 If your talking 40 at night and 50 in the day- well then your not talking weather that is suitable for letting a deer hang without the threat of spoiling it.

 at 32 it freezes; at 40 the meat will slowly breakdown but not spoil over a week or so with the skin on or off.

 But to get the most meat- leave the skin on until your ready to butcher it - well unless perhaps your caping it out for the taxidermist.

 just my humble opinion based on butchering hundred and hundreds of deer.......