Hunter cited for mistaken grizzly killing

A Wisconsin black bear hunter who mistakenly shot a male grizzly bear near Spotted Bear on May 16 was cited for killing a grizzly bear in a closed season.

Richard Kutcher, of Mukwonago, Wis. appeared in Flathead County Justice Court on May 18 and pleaded guilty to the charge. He was fined $235 and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution.

Kutcher shot the grizzly in the area of the Wilderness Lodge, where he was staying. He said he thought the animal was a black bear when he shot it. Upon discovering it was a grizzly, he immediately reported the incident to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

FWP game warden Perry Brown responded and investigated the incident. Kutcher was cooperative and gave a detailed account of what happened. Brown picked up the grizzly bear and cited Kutcher.

FWP recommends that all bear hunters take the online Black Bear Identification Program test several times before heading out on their hunt. The program is online at http://fwp.mt.gov/education/hunter/bearID.