I have got a heck of alot better at skinning my cats and dogs but I still shoot holes in some of them. My question is, How big or small of holes do I bother with? Say a dog shot with 12ga 00buck, small holes, and how about big four inch gashes?

Sew anything larger than a .22 bullet hole, and you won't be in too much trouble...

Those 4 inch gashes are gonna dock you some money... Might just want to have them tanned for a wallhanger.

I have sewn farther, depends on who you sell to.

try 4 buck,it is about 22 size and doesn't leave as big of holes and fills the pattern a bit better.i know plenty of guys who call that use heavy birdshot,like copperplated 2s.

I just wasn't sure if I am going out of my way to sew on such small holes, I figured I would loose on the dogs with gashes but have stitched them up regardless.

If you don't already do it, I would hitch every stitch. This way the edges don't roll up and give it away. Bullet holes I make into football shape holes to sew cleanly. I did a 14" long hole once!

Have two dogs with monster holes about ten inches

Thanks, I will put all that to work!