A Washington man is facing 14 wildlife-related criminal charges in Campbell County after Wyoming investigators say years-old Instagram videos, voice messages and cellphone data uncovered evidence of alleged illegal hunting trips that stretched back more than a decade.
Court records filed in Campbell County allege Bobby Chuck Ephrem, 48, illegally killed antelope and mule deer in Wyoming in 2014, 2015 and 2020, sometimes from vehicles, sometimes without licenses and at least once using a .22-caliber pistol that investigators say was illegal for taking big game.
The charges stem from an Idaho wildlife investigation that eventually led Wyoming Game and Fish investigators to social media posts, archived videos and cellphone extractions that they say show hunting activity in Campbell County.
An arrest warrant was issued June 4, 2025. Ephrem later appeared in Campbell County Circuit Court for an initial appearance on Tuesday, where bond was set at $75,000. Court records show he posted a surety bond on Wednesday.
As a condition of release, Ephrem is not allowed to leave Campbell County and is barred from hunting, fishing, trapping, collecting shed antlers or accompanying anyone engaged in hunting or fishing activities while the case is pending.
A voicemail seeking comment from the Campbell County Attorney's Office was not returned before publication.
A Case Built From Phones And Social Media
The investigation began in April 2024 when Idaho conservation officers shared information uncovered during an ongoing wildlife investigation, according to an affidavit filed by Wyoming Game and Fish Investigator Daniel Beach.
Investigators say Instagram videos, voice messages, and other evidence pointed them toward multiple incidents involving antelope and mule deer.
Beach wrote that he later traveled to Oregon in June 2024 to assist Oregon State Police while that agency executed a search warrant at Ephrem's home.
During the search and interview, investigators say Ephrem talked about several mounted animals displayed in his home and admitted to killing some of them in Wyoming.
The affidavit shows Wyoming investigators subsequently reviewed cellphone extraction data, Instagram videos and archived voice messages that they believe corroborated those admissions.
'No Permission, Just Shoot'
Some of the most serious allegations center on an October 2020 antelope hunt in Campbell County.
Investigators discovered Instagram voice messages sent from Ephrem's account that referenced plans to hunt antelope in Wyoming.
One message cited in the charging documents read, "We're going antelope hunting today."
Another allegedly said, "No, just drive around and shoot shit. No permission, just shoot."
Investigators say they later identified the location shown in one of the videos as private property owned by Peabody Caballo Mining LLC south of Gillette.
Neither the company nor the rancher leasing the pasture granted permission for the hunting activity depicted in the videos, wrote Beach.
In another video, investigators say Ephrem can be seen firing a rifle at antelope from inside a vehicle.
Investigators also allege the video showed Ephrem handing the rifle to a younger passenger.
The charging documents include allegations of wanton destruction of antelope, taking big game from a vehicle, trespassing to hunt and accessory counts connected to those offenses.
The .22-Caliber Pistol Allegation
A separate video described in the affidavit forms the basis for another series of charges.
Investigators say the recording showed Ephrem driving a Dodge Ram pickup while firing a pistol at multiple antelope from the roadway and adjacent ditch.
Beach wrote they later determined the firearm appeared to be a GSG 1911-style .22-caliber pistol, and that Ephrem fired 10 rounds at several antelope from close range.
During a June 2024 interview, Ephrem said, "I remember shooting, yes, got it.'"
The case includes charges alleging illegal use of a firearm for taking big game, wanton destruction and taking big game from a vehicle.
Investigators also allege another man, who they say appeared in some of the videos, later confirmed witnessing portions of the hunt during a recorded interview.
Allegations Reach Back To 2014
The investigation didn't stop with the 2020 videos.
Cellphone data allegedly connected Ephrem to an antelope killed in 2015 and a mule deer killed in 2014.
Beach wrote that Ephrem admitted during a 2024 interview to those killings.
Wyoming licensing records showed Ephrem did not possess licenses for those species during the years in question, says investigators, and that Ephrem improperly used or transferred hunting licenses connected to his son during some of the incidents.
Cellphone photographs, taxidermy records and statements made during interviews were used to support those allegations.
The charges remain allegations. Ephrem has not been convicted, and the case will proceed through Wyoming's court system. His next expected appearance will be held within about 10 days for a preliminary hearing.
Kolby Fedore can be reached at kolby@cowboystatedaily.com.
