Idaho Poaching Scandal Swells as Father-Son Taxidermists Charged in Trophy Hunting Case

In a significant escalation of a high-profile wildlife crime investigation in Idaho, a father-son taxidermy team have been charged in connection with a widespread poaching scandal. 

Father-son duo Tom and Ryan Schiermeier of Schiermeier Taxidermy, were named by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game as they recently uncovered over 40 intake forms for trophy mounts linked to illegally killed animals during a search of the taxidermy shop. Tom Schiermeier faces eight charges, including two felonies, while his son Ryan Schiermeier is charged with one felony for destroying and preparing false evidence, alongside seven misdemeanors. 

“There was a minimum of 43 wildlife intake records discovered during the services of a search warrant at Schiermeier Taxidermy that were not provided when requested," the probable cause statement said. "Furthermore, documents associated with the felony case against Karl Studer were found neatly clipped together under the bottom drawer of a filing cabinet."

Their preliminary hearings are scheduled for May 9th, marking a new chapter in a case that has gripped the hunting community and conservationists alike.

The investigation kicked off with a focus on Karl W. Studer, a 43-year-old resident of Rupert, Idaho, whose alleged actions have since sparked one of the state's most extensive poaching probes. 

Studer first appeared on IDFG’s radar in 2020 when he was accused of harassing elk with his helicopter. For lack of a better expression, things spiraled out of control from there. Following the investigation for the helicopter incidents, a warrant was served and his electronic records came under scrutiny. Within his phone and other digital device records, authorities found he and his accomplices were selling coveted Landowner Appreciation Tags, in some cases, for tens of thousands of dollars. He was also found to have killed a number of trophy elk and wrongfully tagged them with other friends and accomplices tags.

Studer is up against 20 charges, including five felonies and 15 misdemeanors, for violations such as criminal conspiracy, illegal taking of game, and molesting wildlife using a helicopter. 

As investigators dug deeper into the case, evidence pointed to a broader network of wildlife violations. The search of Schiermeier Taxidermy revealed the extent of the illegal trophy trade, with the taxidermists allegedly processing mounts for animals killed unlawfully. Studer’s preliminary hearing is set for September 2025, and if convicted, he could face substantial fines, imprisonment, and the revocation of his hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses. 

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has remained tight-lipped about the ongoing investigation, citing the need to protect the integrity of the case. And as we can see from this update, the case continues to unfold as investigators untangle this massive web of illegal wildlife activity.