Ryan Lampers, a well-known figure in the hunting world under the handle StHealthyHunter, is in hot water after being slapped with serious charges in Idaho. The 51-year-old Montana resident, once celebrated for his backcountry adventures and health-focused hunting lifestyle, now faces two felonies and six misdemeanors for alleged wildlife crimes committed in December 2024. The accusations have rocked the hunting community, raising questions about ethics, accountability, and the pressures of maintaining a public persona in the age of social media.
A String of Alleged Violations
The trouble began in early December 2024, when Lampers allegedly killed a trophy-class mule deer buck in Idaho’s Big Game Management Unit (BGMU) 21, located in the rugged Cove Creek Drainage of the Salmon River in Lemhi County. According to court documents, Lampers held a valid tag for BGMU 28, a neighboring unit, but the season there had already closed. BGMU 21, where the buck was killed, was also closed to deer hunting at the time. The buck, later scored at an impressive 175 4/8 inches under Boone and Crockett standards, qualified as a trophy animal, elevating the severity of the charges.
Just five days later, on December 6, Lampers is accused of killing a mountain lion in the same unit, BGMU 21, using a reduced-price tag that wasn’t valid for that area. To make matters worse, he allegedly reported to Idaho Department of Fish and Game officials that the lion was taken in BGMU 28, adding a misdemeanor charge of falsifying public records to his growing list of troubles.
The final incident occurred on December 8, when Lampers reportedly shot a wolf in BGMU 21. While he had the proper tags for this kill, he allegedly claimed it took place in BGMU 28 when presenting the hide and skull for inspection. This misrepresentation became a costly mistake. Lampers submitted the wolf kill to the Foundation for Wildlife Management, a nonprofit that pays hunters for harvesting wolves in Idaho and Montana. The foundation offers different reimbursement rates depending on the unit, and by claiming the wolf was killed in BGMU 28, Lampers received a $2,000 check—$1,250 more than the $750 maximum for BGMU 21. Idaho law classifies stealing $1,000 or more as grand theft, leading to a felony charge of grand theft by deception.
The Legal Fallout
The charges against Lampers are no small matter. If convicted of grand theft by deception, he could face one to fourteen years in prison and a $5,000 fine. The felony charge for unlawfully possessing a trophy mule deer buck carries a potential six-month prison term, a $2,000 fine, and the possibility of a lifetime hunting ban—a devastating blow for someone who has built a career around the sport. The six misdemeanor charges, which include hunting without a valid tag, taking big game during a closed season, and falsifying public records for both the mountain lion and wolf kills, could further compound his penalties with additional fines and restrictions.
Lampers was booked in Lemhi County on September 2, 2025, and released on a $600 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 22 in the county’s Felony Magistrate Court. As of now, he has not been convicted, and all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, the weight of the accusations has already begun to reshape his public image.
A Tarnished Reputation
Lampers, who built a large following as StHealthyHunter, was a prominent figure in the hunting world, known for his rugged backcountry hunts and commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Alongside his wife, Dr. Hillary Lampers, he co-founded StHealthy Nutrition, a supplement company that promotes natural health and wellness. The couple also hosted the Hunt Harvest Health podcast, sharing tips on hunting, nutrition, and outdoor living. Lampers’ adventures, often featuring his children or pack goats, resonated with hunters who admired his dedication to pursuing mature animals in remote wilderness areas.
But the allegations have cast a long shadow over his legacy. Following the charges, Lampers’ social media accounts, once filled with photos of successful hunts and gear reviews, have been wiped clean. His presence has also been scrubbed from the website of GOHUNT, a hunting gear and mapping software company he partnered with. In a statement, GOHUNT’s Lorenzo Sartini expressed disappointment, emphasizing that the brand stands for ethical hunting and conservation. “It’s painful to see somebody that contributed to our content platforms being accused of wildlife violations,” Sartini said. “We made the decision to pull the content Ryan contributed to our platforms because of the weight of the charges against him.”
The hunting community’s reaction has been a mix of shock and frustration. Many viewed Lampers as a role model, someone who embodied the spirit of fair-chase hunting. The accusations, particularly the falsification of records and the financial deception tied to the wolf reimbursement, have left some fans feeling betrayed. Others speculate that the kills may have occurred near the border of BGMU 21 and 28, suggesting a possible mistake rather than intentional wrongdoing. However, the number and severity of the charges—eight in total—make it difficult to dismiss the case as a simple error.
The Bigger Picture
The case raises broader questions about the pressures faced by hunting influencers in the digital age. With social media platforms amplifying their reach, hunters like Lampers often rely on sponsorships, content creation, and a steady stream of successful hunts to maintain their brand. The need to “feed the machine,” as one online commenter put it, can lead to risky decisions, especially when the pursuit of trophy animals or financial incentives is involved.
Idaho’s strict wildlife regulations are designed to protect its natural resources and ensure fair hunting practices. The state’s Big Game Management Units are carefully defined to manage populations and prevent overhunting, and violations like those alleged against Lampers undermine decades of conservation efforts. The Foundation for Wildlife Management’s reimbursement program, intended to support wolf population control, relies on accurate reporting, making Lampers’ alleged deception particularly egregious.
It’s unclear how Lampers was initially reported to the authorities. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has not released a statement or responded to inquiries, leaving gaps in the story. Some speculate that a tip from another hunter or a social media post may have sparked the investigation, especially given Lampers’ high-profile status. His decision to delete his online presence and reportedly sell off hunting gear through a temporary Facebook account has only fueled speculation about his guilt.
What Lies Ahead
As Lampers awaits his court date, the hunting community is left grappling with the fallout. For many, the case is a reminder of the importance of ethical hunting and the consequences of cutting corners. A lifetime hunting ban, if imposed, would not only end Lampers’ career as an influencer but also bar him from participating in a sport he’s dedicated decades to. The financial penalties and potential prison time add further weight to the stakes.
The case also highlights the role of accountability in hunting. Organizations like GOHUNT and media outlets like MeatEater have been quick to distance themselves from Lampers, signaling a growing intolerance for violations within the industry. As one hunter put it online, “If he broke the laws that the rest of us follow, he needs to pay the penalties.” Whether Lampers’ actions were intentional or the result of a miscalculation, the outcome of his case will likely serve as a cautionary tale for others.
For now, the StHealthyHunter brand continues to operate, with its supplement business and Instagram account still active. But the future of Ryan Lampers, once a celebrated figure in the hunting world, hangs in the balance as he faces the consequences of his alleged actions in Idaho’s wild backcountry.
