if you shoot a deer in the last minutes of daylight

[h20hunter]

The real work begins after the shot.  Track it, gut it, get it out and home or to camp.

[M_ray]

Time of day really has no impact.  Meat's got to cool no matter what.

 That's been my experience as well, especially with mule deer. We've tagged several in the last couple minutes of light and always get them gutted, skinned and boned out before heading back, even if we have to come back the next morning to get the rest. We have never had "gamie" tasting meet this way or had critter issues.

 Plan ahead and be prepared. Carry a headlamp, knife and enough bags to do the job.

This! And I’ve done it on more than one occasion with Phool!!!

[huntnphool]

Time of day really has no impact.  Meat's got to cool no matter what.

 That's been my experience as well, especially with mule deer. We've tagged several in the last couple minutes of light and always get them gutted, skinned and boned out before heading back, even if we have to come back the next morning to get the rest. We have never had "gamie" tasting meet this way or had critter issues.

 Plan ahead and be prepared. Carry a headlamp, knife and enough bags to do the job.

This! And I’ve done it on more than one occasion with Phool!!!

 Probably one of the best things you can have with you is a good hunting partner. @Popeshawnpaul took these pics in the dark while hiking/packing out. I don't think we got back to the truck until about 10pm. Yes those are stars. Pics shot with a 1968 Canon FL 55mm 1.2 lens.

[h20hunter]

Sweet. Good times!

[jackelope]

I guess I don't understand anyone would consider not immediately field dressing (boneless/gutless, quarters/gutless, just gutting, whatever) any big game animal upon shooting/dropping it (or finding it after tracking)? 

This is where I'm at. Sure there are variables to every scenario, but if your animal is on the ground, get it gutted and cleaned up at a minimum. It's not a big deal and really, it's your responsibility to not risk losing the meat by not doing it.

 

[jackelope]

Reading aman's posts, this is his first season big game hunting. There's a learning curve. Let's keep that in mind here.
 

[Duckhunter14]

I guess I don't understand anyone would consider not immediately field dressing (boneless/gutless, quarters/gutless, just gutting, whatever) any big game animal upon shooting/dropping it (or finding it after tracking)?

Come on man! If you're going to be famous on social media you have to wait for daylight to take kill shots! Duh... I've actually heard stories about dirt bags who have done this; left the guts in animals over night after recovery, so they can take better field photos the next day. Despicable.

Get the guts out and/or the hide off as quickly as possible and get the meat cooling. Period.

[CedarPants]

Take care of it in the dark before the coyotes take care of it for you

[aman]

Reading aman's posts, this is his first season big game hunting. There's a learning curve. Let's keep that in mind here.
 

Thanks guys I am trying to learn.

I will be hunting solo so I have to be a little bit more careful and especially in the dark.

[h20hunter]

Right on.  If hunting anywhere near Snohomish county feel free to pm me for my number. Solo hunters need a few friends on soerd dial for game tracking and meat hauling!

[Old Man Yager]

I guess I don't understand anyone would consider not immediately field dressing (boneless/gutless, quarters/gutless, just gutting, whatever) any big game animal upon shooting/dropping it (or finding it after tracking)? 

This is where I'm at. Sure there are variables to every scenario, but if your animal is on the ground, get it gutted and cleaned up at a minimum. It's not a big deal and really, it's your responsibility to not risk losing the meat by not doing it.

If you aren't prepared to find it, gut it, and get it out in the dark, then don't shoot it at last light. You owe it to the animal. Like it's already been stated, be prepared, headlights and anything else you need.e personally, I've been out enough after dark recovering animals that I'm comfortable with it. Some aren't, and that's ok, everybody's got thier limits, but don't potentially waste meat if you're not prepared. 

[huntnphool]

Reading aman's posts, this is his first season big game hunting. There's a learning curve. Let's keep that in mind here.
 

Thanks guys I am trying to learn.

I will be hunting solo so I have to be a little bit more careful and especially in the dark.

 I have had great performance from the Streamlite headlamps, this is the one I have used for a few years without issue. https://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-61052-Septor-Headlight-Elastic/dp/B00064YL7S?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_1

 Inexpensive and reliable.

[Bob33]

I suspect a good fourth of the big game animals I've killed were field dressed in the dark. Count on it happening and go prepared. The sooner you can field dress and cool the animal after death, the more likely you are to avoid any meat spoilage or bacterial infection issues.

Some of my fondest memories are hiking out in the moonlight with a pack full of meat.

[baker5150]

I have, and will always field dress regardless of the light situation.

Once an animal is down, nothing else matters, get that meat cared for.

[Dawgfather1]

if you shoot a deer in the last minutes of daylight would you wait until next morning to start gutting it or start immediately?

Good question.  I've seen elk sit out overnight with devastating results.  Invest in a good headlamp and pack.  Take your time and enjoy your success.  If your hunting around Whatcom/Skagit county PM me and I'll give you my cell.  Be happy to help.