I am going bear hunting this season for the first time, and need to know the proper cuts to make for a wall mount bear (no arms) I have been told to skin it from belly up to and including the head leaving the head attached to the body and I have been told to skin from the belly up to the neck and then cut off the head at the shoulder area. Which is it???

Let me reason with you for just a sec...I hear this question all the time, yet the answer is simple. Why not check around with taxidermists now BEFORE going on your hunt? Take the time now while you can to view his work. Ask the taxidermist youre going to use how HE would prefer it. Thats the best answer for you. For example, here at my studio I prefer not to take fall bears, unless theyre late season. Better coats, better chances of colder weather so the trophy is taken care of better. Heads coming in are usually skinned out and the hide frozen on fall bears. Most just invert the head without an incision. For whats its worth, what you are asking for is a full shoulder mount. I hope this helps you, and good luck on your hunt.

Yes hear what Bill is saying and instruct yourself, you will get a better finished trophy if your field care is done correctly, for starter go here http://www.knightstaxidermy.com/knightsb/knights_guide/knights_guide.htm

And at least get an Idea.
Good Hunting to you

Thanks for the response guys. I am going to check with my taxidermist.