A Pershing County commissioner and a Nevada hunting outfitter pleaded guilty in a case connected to the killing of a large black bear in Washoe Valley.
Joe Crim, chair of the Pershing County Commission and listed as chair of the Pershing County Advisory Board on the Nevada Department of Wildlife’s website, and Michael Stremler, owner of Secret Pass Outfitters, both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to trespass, a gross misdemeanor.
Crim entered his plea in October 2024. Stremler pleaded guilty on Wed., Mar. 4.
Under the terms of their sentences, both men received 364 days in jail, though the judge suspended the sentences. Crim must pay a $5,000 fine, while Stremler has to pay $10,000.
Neither man can purchase a hunting license for at least one year, while Stremler cannot guide hunts for an entire year.
The charges stem from a Nov. 10, 2023, hunt near Ophir Creek above Bowers Mansion in Washoe Valley.
According to court documents, investigators alleged the men were outside their designated tag area and used a dog to pursue a black bear within a closed wildlife management area.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife initially charged both men with a felony count of killing a big game animal. Stremler also faced an additional charge of committing an unlawful wildlife act.
NDOW officials said the bear was eight years old and unusually large, weighing an estimated 575 pounds.
Authorities arrested Crim and Stremler on July 12, 2024.
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