RE: Skinning Black Bear
I disagree with a couple points. First off, look at the diagram on the cuts for a rug. Now, if you really DID cut that far away from the anus, where is it going to end up? Yep, youd have a big flap of skin beyond the tail/anus on the rug. Instead, make your cut along the lower part of center of the leg, go THROUGH the anus so the tail is the lowest part of the edge of the rug. Thats exactly why I suggest asking your taxidermist first...I wouldve refused a rug cut that way. We all do things differently.
The other point...My work I display IS my customer work, whether its for competition or shows, or just for the customer. Theres only one quality. The one exception might be inner ear and inner mouth/throat details. Most of the better taxidermists dont have two levels. If theyre good, theyre good! I dont think you see that much anymore, where they do a nice show piece but the other stuff isnt so good.