Over the course of nearly a decade, a network of poachers illegally killed 35 wild animals in Idaho, including mule deer, a bull moose, a bobcat, and even a swan.

The animals were killed without tags—some left to rot, their bodies wasted. It was one of the largest and most disturbing poaching rings uncovered in Idaho’s history.

Thanks to a two-year investigation by Idaho Fish and Game and law enforcement agencies across multiple states, 17 people were convicted, with two still at large. But despite the scale and severity of the crimes, many of the individuals received light sentences. Some walked away with temporary hunting bans and modest fines. Even one of the ringleaders, Robert Zeko, had the majority of his 34 charges dropped in a plea deal.

The restitution? Just $48,631 total—for dozens of stolen lives, many of them trophy kills. Idaho’s wildlife, and the law-abiding hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who respect it, deserve better.

We’re calling on the Idaho State Legislature and the Twin Falls County Prosecutor’s Office to:

• Pursue the maximum allowable penalties for remaining suspects and any future related charges.
• Refuse plea deals that undercut the seriousness of coordinated poaching.
• Strengthen Idaho’s wildlife laws to ensure large-scale or repeat poachers face felony-level charges, lifetime hunting bans, and meaningful jail time.

Poaching isn’t just illegal—it’s theft from the public, harm to ecosystems, and a betrayal of ethical hunting traditions. This network exploited Idaho’s wildlife for years. Let’s make sure they—and anyone thinking of doing the same—know that the consequences will be real.

Sign this petition to demand full justice for Idaho’s wildlife.