TWIN FALLS COUNTY, ID – A two-year investigation by Idaho Fish and Game Conservation Officers in the Magic Valley Region has led to multiple convictions and significant restitution following the discovery of unlawfully taken wildlife in southern Idaho.

The case began in October 2023 when officers identified a group of hunters in game management unit 54 near Rogerson who were suspected of taking mule deer without valid tags. A traffic stop conducted on October 29, 2023, resulted in the recovery of five mule deer heads, with the meat left to waste. The individuals stopped were identified as Robert Zeko, Nicholas Zeko, Darren George, and Jeff George.

The discovery prompted a large-scale investigation involving Idaho Fish and Game, the Nampa, Meridian, and Boise police departments, Oregon State Police, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Fourteen search warrants were executed across Idaho and Oregon, revealing a broader network of individuals involved in illegal hunting activity.

Investigators found that since 2016, the group had unlawfully taken 35 animals, including 32 mule deer, a bull moose, a swan, and a bobcat. In many cases, only the heads were kept as trophies, and the remaining meat was wasted.

Working with the Twin Falls County Prosecutor’s Office, officers filed charges against 19 individuals. Seventeen were convicted and sentenced, while two remain at large. Sentences ranged from probation to incarceration.

• Robert Zeko and Bobby Ephrem received retained jurisdiction sentences of up to 365 days.
• Nicholas Zeko, Darren George, Jeff George, Chuck Costello, and Steve Marks were sentenced to jail terms ranging from 15 to 90 days.
• Lifetime hunting bans were imposed on Robert Zeko, Nicholas Zeko, and Bobby Ephrem, while others received 15-year revocations.

The group was ordered to pay a total of $48,631 in restitution to Idaho Fish and Game for the unlawfully taken animals.

“This case represents years of dedicated work by Idaho Fish and Game Conservation Officers and partner agencies,” said Clint Rogers, Idaho Fish and Game Regional Conservation Officer. “This outcome reinforces our commitment to holding violators accountable and protecting Idaho’s wildlife heritage.”

Fish and Game encourages the public to report wildlife crimes by calling the Citizens Against Poaching hotline at 1-800-632-5999 or reporting online. Cash rewards may be available for tips leading to convictions.