Idaho Deer Poaching, Wastage Case Leads To ‘Multiple Convictions, Significant Restitution’ Penalties

THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME

A two-year investigation led by Idaho Fish and Game Conservation Officers in the Magic Valley Region has resulted in multiple convictions and significant restitution following the discovery of unlawfully taken wildlife in southern Idaho. 

In October 2023, Idaho Fish and Game Conservation Officers identified a group of individuals hunting in the southern portion of game management unit 54, near Rogerson, Idaho. Through surveillance efforts, officers suspected the group was unlawfully taking mule deer without valid tags. 

On October 29, 2023, Conservation Officers conducted a traffic stop on a group of four individuals, identified as Robert Zeko, Nicholas Zeko, Darren George, and Jeff George. During the stop, officers recovered five unlawfully taken mule deer heads. The meat from the deer had been left to waste. 

This discovery spurred a two-year investigation that resulted in Idaho Fish and Game Officers serving fourteen simultaneous search warrants in the Treasure Valley and Oregon with the assistance of the Nampa Police Department, Meridian Police Department, Boise Police Department, Oregon State Police, Wyoming Game and Fish and Department, and United State Fish and Wildlife Service. 

The investigation revealed a larger network of individuals connected to the original suspects in the traffic stop. The group’s actions included taking of mule deer without tags and wasting game meat by only retaining the heads to be mounted as trophies. Additionally, there were numerous other hunting violations detected as part of the investigation. 

In total, Idaho Fish and Game Officers identified thirty-five animals that were unlawfully taken in Idaho, including thirty-two mule deer, one bull moose, one swan, and one bobcat since 2016. 

Working closely with the Twin Falls County Prosecutor’s Office, Idaho Fish and Game Officers filed charges against nineteen individuals in Twin Falls County. Seventeen of those individuals have been convicted and sentenced, while two still remain at large. 

Sentences varied based on severity of violations 

• Robert Zeko and Bobby Ephrem were sentenced to retained jurisdiction with the Idaho Department of Corrections, which is a form of incarceration not to exceed 365 days.
• Nicholas Zeko, Darren George, Jeff George, Chuck Costello, and Steve Marks received jail sentences ranging from 15 to 90 days.
• Robert Zeko, Nicholas Zeko, and Bobby Ephrem lost their hunting privileges for their lifetime. Darren George, Jeff George, Chuck Costello, and Steve Marks each received a 15 year hunting license revocation.
• The remaining ten convicted individuals were sentenced to probation, ordered to pay fines, and/or had hunting license revocations. 

In total, the seventeen individuals sentenced were ordered to pay Idaho Fish and Game restitution in the amount of $48,631, to reimburse the animals they unlawfully killed. 

“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.” 

Idaho Fish and Game encourages anyone who witnesses or suspects wildlife violations to report them through the Citizens Against Poaching (CAP) hotline at 1-800-632-5999, or report online. Cash rewards are available for credible tips that lead to charges in a wildlife crime.