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gating violations of Federal and State wildlife laws. Through
undercover work involved in his position with the Fish and
Wildlife Service, Mr. Curry has personally purchased and sold
game mounts, and he has been involved with the investigation of
other sales of wildlife. Mr. Curry asserted that, despite his
department's efforts, an illegal market in game mounts existed in
California during the years at issue.
Mr. Curry submitted a report in which he summarized the
price range at which various game mounts were sold in California.
Mr. Curry's report contained price ranges for those animal
specimens with which he had gained familiarity through the
performance of his duties as an agent. His price ranges in most
cases were in line with the amounts contained in Mr. Zanotti's
report.
Petitioners rely exclusively on the testimony of Mr. Perry.
Mr. Perry is on the board of the World Wildlife Museum,1 and he
has substantial experience in the field of taxidermy.
Mr. Perry bases his appraisals on the replacement cost
methodology. Replacement cost is the total cost the hunter
incurred in going on the hunt and related costs such as trophy
fees, taxidermy costs, and travel expenses. If more than one
1Mr. Perry admitted that he was motivated to perform
appraisals by factors other than the fees he charged. In fact,
he candidly stated that his "ulterior motive" in performing
appraisals was to encourage the donation of animal specimens to
museums.
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