 Food safety is always important when handling food you plan to eat. For this reason, take every step properly from the time you harvest a deer to the time it is consumed. Once deer is harvested, it must be kept cold at 38 degrees or lower. If you live in a warm climate, like Alabama, where the weather is warmer than ideal for cooling a deer carcass, you should remove the hide as soon as possible to allow the carcass to begin cooling. The hide holds heat and moisture. On the other hand, if you live in a cold climate, have a cooler, or have harvested your deer at a time of the year when it's below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, leave the hide on. The hide will prevent the deer carcass from losing moisture and will also protect it from dust and other contaminants as the deer ages. There are benefits both ways, but the main thing is to figure out what is the best for your particular situation.