What is the main reason to properly field dress game?

Properly field dressing game is primarily aimed at preserving the quality of the meat. When an animal is harvested, the internal organs can begin to decompose rapidly due to the warmth of the body and the breakdown of tissues. Field dressing minimizes this risk by removing these organs quickly, which helps to cool the carcass and prevent spoilage. By taking this crucial step, hunters ensure that the meat remains as fresh and flavorful as possible, allowing for a better eating experience.

The other options, while they may contain elements of truth regarding auxiliary benefits of field dressing, do not capture the primary motivation behind the practice. For instance, enhancing trophy appeal or increasing the weight of the carcass is not the main concern during the dressing process, and cooking times are more influenced by the method of preparation rather than field dressing itself.