From one to approximately 14 days, tenderness increases at a constant rate. After 14 days aging, tenderness continues to increase,but at a much slower rate. This, along with the fact that tenderization proceeds more slowly after 14 days aging than it does from 3 to 14 days, is the reason aging should be limited to a maximum of 2 weeks. Aging game that has been skinned often results in drying and high weight loss. For this reason properly chilled game should be aged with the hide on unless it is to be stored in a cooler where the humidity is high.
Some people think that leaving the hide on causes off flavor, especially in antelope.
However, research on factors affecting flavor of game has failed to substantiate this claim. Many meat processors do not recommend aging game. One reason for this is that much of the game delivered to a meat processor has already been aged long enough. Game slaughtered in the cold months of November and December should be aged longer than game slaughtered in the warm months of September and October. Under these conditions aging game 1 week or less is recommended.