Have you talked with your taxidermist yet? Do that first. If you don't have one that you like yet, find one first. I have a good friend that his dad left a Pope bear with a guy who was recommended, and it looks HORRIBLE!!!!!! I mean purple tongue, etc. Don't make that mistake. Find one first then find out how he wants it. Since it sounds like you are doing it without a guide I would recommend leaving the head and feet in, but your taxidermist might say otherwise. If you try and skin out the head and screw it up, it's hard to fix the face. Let me know if I can help.