If the squash has it's mature color and the vine is turning brown then I would pick them. My vines were still green but I had to pick the squash because of squash bugs getting out of control.
Be sure to CUT the stem, don't try to snap or twist it like summer squash. It is always best to leave an inch or two of stem attached. If it breaks off at the top of the squash, rot can start at that point.
Since my squash will be stored for months, I always dip the squash into a bleach solution to kill mold spores.
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