taking in new species...how do you know if you are ready?

I believe Richard Branson said "never turn down an opportunity. If you don't know how to do it, take the job and figure it out later." Not exactly his words, but you get the idea...

 

I like than Ryan. I assure you, when you take your first African impala, you'll know it's not a whitetail, but there's an exhilaration in meeting a new challenge. Like everyone said, it's the reference pictures you suddenly find you're dependant on and the care that you must take to work an animal you're not familiar with. We tend to think big animals, but I found opossums, otters, beavers, and porcupines to be this way as well. At some point, a real taxidermist is going to have to mount his "first" of something. No need to waste time wondering, jump in and you'll find the water is fine.

 

Very well said George!!