What is an important step after harvesting an animal?

After harvesting an animal, field dressing is an essential step to ensure the quality of the meat. Field dressing involves the careful removal of internal organs, which helps to cool the body of the animal more rapidly and prevents the meat from spoiling. This process is crucial because it minimizes the chances of bacterial contamination and preserves the quality of the meat for consumption.

Taking selfies with the animal, while it may be popular on social media, does not address the practical considerations of meat quality and safety. Leaving the animal in the field neglects the responsibilities of a hunter and the potential waste of a harvested animal. Similarly, bringing the animal home without checking can lead to deterioration of the meat before proper field dressing is performed, which could result in spoilage. Therefore, field dressing stands out as the most responsible and necessary action after harvesting an animal.