Jeff McPartlin, a falconer who was reported to be integral to the operation, received the Monitor award for his work. He was later ejected from the North American Falconers Association because officials from the group felt "the man had deceived people". Many falconers were upset at the tactics used during the investigation and felt that the sting inappropriately targeted bystanders rather than professional long term smugglers.
Jeff McPartlin, a falconer recognized as key for the operation, was awarded the Monitor prize. However, he was later expelled from the North American Falconers Association because officials believed "the man had deceived people". Many falconers were angered by the investigation methods and felt that the sting should have focused on professional long-term smugglers rather than bystanders.