ID: Rupert man loses hunting license in poaching case

https://www.kmvt.com/2025/06/24/rupert-man-loses-hunting-license-poaching-case/

06/24/2025

A judge sentenced Karl Studer to five years of unsupervised probation, as well as a lifetime suspension of his hunting license.

Following an investigation by Idaho Fish and Game in 2023, Studer originally faced charges for the unlawful killing, possessing or wasting of wildlife, also criminal conspiracy. But earlier this month, he accepted a plea agreement for a single felony count.

“Karl Studer as you said plead to the original count 6 to this matter, that was the unlawful taking of a bull moose,” said Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Leah Fredback.

As part of the agreement, the state dismissed all remaining counts and misdemeanors against Studer. The state also agreed to not file any new charges based on the current investigation.

In court, the state referenced witness complaints that led to the investigation dating back to July 2023, which accused Studer of using a helicopter to scout wildlife and in doing so, disrupting other hunters.

“We watched the helicopter come in and it was just one bull at this time, and that helicopter came and circled to our left and came around a dropped pretty much right on top of the elk,” Fredback read.

The state also showed images depicting cellphone pings and a flight log that confirmed Studer, along with a pilot, used a helicopter to find wildlife, which matched timeline of the witness testimony. Before sentencing, Studer stood before court to give a statement.

“I apologize to the court and the state and also to fish and game as to the distraction of time and what I caused‚” said Studer. “I’m ashamed of how we ended up here, never my intention.”

In addition to unsupervised probation and lifetime license suspension… the judge laid out other restrictions.

“You are not to accompany any hunter in the field, including any friend or family members. or any other hunting activity or any capacity outside of your property,” said Judge William Hancock.

Judge Hancock also fined Studer $50,OOO in addition to the other fines and restitution fees he has to pay as part of his plea agreement. Studer will also have to complete 50 hours of community service.