Special agents of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have been investigating baiting during hunts on January 5 and January 9. Their investigation has not yielded conclusive evidence or eye witness testimony about whoever placed shelled corn in the hunt areas on those dates.

However, the investigation has revealed that some Saltville residents had asked the organizations People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and Geese Peace for their involvement in impeding or thwarting the controlled hunts. PETA and Geese Peace have lobbied the Saltville mayor and city council to cancel the hunts.