Free: Contests & Raffles.
I prefer to gut out immediately. No matter where I kill it. If I have a long drag I will knock the knees. Less to get hung up. Then when back in camp, hang head up, and skin. I find I get a ton less hair on the meat when skinning head up. And I can slip the game bag right up to the neck without repositioning.
The reason I haven't gone gutless is that I save the heart, liver and ribs (when allowed per CWD regulations). I could do that gutless but it seems like more work than just gutting it.Additionally, I like to keep the animal as whole as possible up to the cutting table as it gives me more freedom for different cuts as well as minimal loss due to dirt and dry meat where previous cuts were made.It's a personal preference for sure and doesn't apply to an animal shot 5 miles from the road for sure.In a few years, I may be back to quartering, but I like to try new things and see what works best.