ruger,thanks for the compliments! i do everything in house. as far as time involved, with the skinning, hide prep, tanning etc.. i'm guessing i have about a week in this cat. most of that is waiting on the tan tho. as far as actual labor, i would guess 8-10 hrs. i'm not fast by any means and there are a few things that i still struggle with, but each mount gets easier, and i can see my work improving. again, thanks for the compliments! Chad