A researcher's authority on a wildlife species should depend on observational data gathered in the field rather than exclusively on laboratory dissection.

“I think it should be a requirement. I think if you're going to be considered an authority on that thing, you have to have observational data as well as scientific data. You can't just live in a world where you're like, I've studied them in pickled jars and I can tell you everything about them.”

Matt Ross states that dewclaws do not serve a functional purpose on deer.

“they're vestigial. They're not used.”