Wisconsin's own Timothy J. Collar, a 64-year-old seasoned bear hunting guide, got more than he bargained for on a recent excursion into illegal bear baiting. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the Eastern District of Wisconsin revealed that Collar was slapped with a $3,000 fine and received a 12-month hunting ban after being convicted for illegal activities on federal property.
This decision, handed down by United States District Judge Byron B. Conway on August 15, has effectively sidelined Collar from the upcoming Wisconsin bear hunting season. Court documents, as detailed in a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, illustrate how Collar was found to unlawfully place oversized bait barrels designed to attract bears within Chequamegon-Nicolet Forest; a clear violation of regulations set to protect both the wildlife and the natural terrain.
As the Wisconsin bear hunting season, running from September 3 to October 7, gains momentum, this outcome echoes a crucial message: conservation and responsible hunting go hand in hand, and those who choose to boldly ignore these principles will find themselves penalized, perhaps forced to watch from the sidelines as others engage in the sport they once held dominion over, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office.
