For practice purposes why not? IMO reasonably safe if you take precautions. I have a thick pair of fishermans gloves, knife resistant and goo proof. Breathing mask for parasite eggs, don't know if it is absolutely necessary, like I said I'm phobic about parasites.
Wash your clothes in really hot water, a good rubber apron might not hurt.
A pot of boiling water to clean up.

i dip the hide into a bucket with some stuff that kills most of the bad stuff and makes the hide insect resistant. I can't find the container right now, one of those Latin names. I order it at the drug store.

My wife has a 65 year old girlfriend, little old lady retired school teacher, she does stuff like that as a hobby.

The taxidermy section of the forum may have some more tips for you.