By Jeff DeLong, Reno Gazette-Journal

The Reno man who killed the first bear in Nevada’s highly controversial black bear hunt faces charges he illegally baited the animals.

Timothy Kawelmacher, 55, is scheduled to appear in Reno Justice Court on Monday. He is charged with two misdemeanor counts of baiting big-game mammals for the purpose of hunting, said Chris Hicks, Washoe County deputy district attorney.

“It is very discouraging that the very first bear killed in this controversial hunt is now the subject of prosecution,” Hicks said.

Kawelmacher is charged with using apples and bacon grease to bait for bears on Aug. 11 and anise oil for the same purpose between Aug. 5 and Aug. 20, when the season opened, Hicks said.

Kawelmacher killed the season’s first bear — a 9-year-old, 180-pound female — with a rifle near Garson Road west of Reno on Aug. 20, according to officials with the Nevada Department of Wildlife. He was later cited by game wardens, and the bear’s head and hide were seized as evidence.

Kawelmacher, who Hicks said has cooperated with authorities, could not be reached for comment. It appears he will be acting as his own attorney Monday, Hicks said.

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