Final answer:
It is best to field dress immediately after the kill to prevent bacteria growth and to preserve meat quality. Waiting too long can spoil the meat.
Step-by-step explanation:
The recommended practice is to field dress the game immediately after the kill. This practice helps in preventing bacteria growth and spoilage by cooling the animal's carcass quickly. Proper field dressing removes the internal organs, which are the warmest parts of the carcass and tend to harbor bacteria, thereby preserving the meat quality. Waiting too long, such as a few hours or the next day, can lead to increased bacteria growth and potentially spoil the meat. Field dressing just before cooking is not practical as the meat would need time to be processed and cooled properly.