A significant illegal operation involving big game poaching, the black market sale of hunting tags, and the harassment of wildlife by helicopter has been uncovered in Idaho.

At the center of this scheme is Karl Studer, a 43-year-old resident of Rupert, Idaho, who, along with several accomplices, faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges. This investigation has pulled back the curtain on a disturbing trend in the exploitation of Idaho's wildlife resources for personal gain.

Aerial Harassment of Wildlife

Idaho’s backcountry has been the playground for this illegal operation, with reports of helicopters chasing elk and deer across the landscape. These allegations first surfaced in 2020 when complaints were lodged about a red helicopter seen harassing wildlife north of Gooding, Idaho. The issue resurfaced in 2023 when multiple hunters reported similar encounters, leading to a full-scale investigation by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG).

The IDFG’s investigation revealed that Studer had allegedly hired a helicopter pilot, Kevin Sielaff, to aid in scouting and harassing wildlife, reports Idaho News 6. Sielaff, who operates Alpine Aviation LLC, reportedly flew Studer and his associates over hunting areas to locate trophy-class animals. The affidavit, obtained by local news outlets, details how these flights often resulted in the animals being driven into easier hunting zones, allowing Studer and others to gain an unfair advantage in their hunts. These activities, which involve “molesting” wildlife—defined as disturbing or harassing animals with motorized vehicles—are strictly illegal under Idaho law and have led to Sielaff facing numerous misdemeanor charges.

The Black Market for Hunting Tags

The investigation uncovered more than just aerial harassment. Studer and his accomplices were also found to be deeply involved in the black market sale of Landowner Appreciation Program (LAP) tags, a program meant to compensate landowners for providing habitat and access to wildlife. According to the affidavit, Studer spent over $150,000 in 2023 alone to acquire these tags, which he then allegedly resold to other hunters, a violation of Idaho law, reports Magic Valley.

LAP tags are intended for use by the landowners to whom they are issued, or their immediate family. The illegal sale of these tags undermines the integrity of Idaho’s wildlife management system and gives an unfair advantage to those willing to break the law. As MeatEater reports, the investigation revealed that Studer was not only selling these tags but also using them to cover his unlawful kills.

Exploiting Idaho’s Wildlife for Profit

The scale of Studer’s operations is staggering. Court documents indicate that he unlawfully killed at least three trophy bull elk during the 2023 hunting season. These animals, highly prized for their size and antlers, were tagged with permits that were either purchased illegally or transferred between hunters in violation of Idaho’s strict hunting regulations. According to Field & Stream, the affidavit describes how Studer used the tags of his associates to cover up his illegal kills, including those of his son and a friend, Brandon Wilcox, who are also facing charges.

Perhaps most disturbing is the evidence that Studer kept a live, wounded pronghorn antelope in the back of his truck after shooting it. As East Idaho News reports, video footage recovered from Studer’s iCloud account shows the animal gasping for breath, a haunting reminder of the disregard for animal life that characterized this operation.

Legal Ramifications and the Fight for Justice

The charges against Studer are severe and could result in significant jail time and hefty fines. He faces five felony counts, including unlawful possession of wildlife and over-limiting on elk, and 15 misdemeanor charges related to the harassment of wildlife and the illegal sale of hunting tags. If convicted, Studer could spend over a decade in prison and face fines totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars, MeatEater reports. Additionally, he could lose his hunting privileges for life.

The ramifications of this case extend beyond the courtroom. Idaho’s hunting community, along with conservationists, will likely push for reforms to prevent future abuses of the LAP program and other wildlife management initiatives.

As the state grapples with the fallout from this scandal, it will be crucial to reassess how these programs are administered to ensure that they fulfill their intended purpose: conserving wildlife for the benefit of all.

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