What should a hunter do as soon as possible after tagging game?

After tagging game, the first priority for a hunter should be to field dress it. Field dressing involves removing the internal organs of the animal in order to cool the meat quickly, which helps prevent spoilage and maintain the quality of the meat. This process is important for several reasons; it reduces the weight of the animal to make it easier to transport, and it also minimizes the risk of bacteria developing in the warm, internal cavity of the animal.

Performing this task promptly ensures that the meat remains fresh and safe for consumption. While preserving, skinning, or transporting the game are all necessary steps that can follow field dressing, these actions should occur after the initial field dressing is completed to ensure the meat stays in good condition.