Three Ravalli Men Charged with Baiting and Killing Black Bears for Trophies

An investigation spanning many years has led Montana wardens to accuse three Montana men of using cow carcases and other lures to bait black bears in western Montana.

"Three Ravalli County men were charged this week with baiting and killing at least nine black bears with the aid of bait in both Ravalli and Beaverhead counties," said Fish, Wildlife and Parks spokeswoman Vivica Crowser. "This has happened over a series of years. It's one of the biggest cases we've had state wide for black bear baiting and killing, they were just after the bears for there hides and skulls, so really just after them for trophy and leaving the meat to waste."

The men accused are Jimmy Harrison, 61, of Darby, Kyle L. Whyard, 26, of Darby,  and Richard Sublette, 56, of Hamilton. Sublette appeared in court on Wednesday and plead not guilty.