The real question here is: will these people be sanctioned by their peers? Or will wrists be slapped, harsh words huffily spoken, and counciling given to the perpetrators?
I'm not sure it matters any longer. These unethical biologists have actually done regular US citizens a favor by giving us a legal precedent upon which to challenge federal wildlife studies for years to come. The GAO says the validity of ALL federal wildlife studies has come into question on the grounds of this and other unethical behavior, and questionable findings based upon no supportable evidence.
If they are NOT sanctioned by the Wildlife Society, the biologists methods will not suddenly become either "justified" or "valid". Instead, the public will call the motives and ethics of all the current members of the Wildlife Society into question.
That's what is so great about FReep, there is always someone who sees things differently...good thinking cake!
If the peers are other agendized pseudo scientists, there will be public wrist slaps and private kudos.
However, if they ever want to get a real job, their credibility has been permanently damaged.
In the case of the feds, they got counseling, were removed from the project, and then received raises and/or bonuses.
From my experience, bonuses are rewarded for exceeding management expectations. Conspiracy to commit fraud and RICO charges need to be forthcoming.