Reno man accused of using bait to kill black bear

RENO -- A Reno man who killed the first black bear during Nevada's inaugural hunt for the animals has been accused of using apples and bacon grease as bait.

Washoe County Deputy District Attorney Chris Hicks says Timothy Kawelmacher is charged with two misdemeanor counts of baiting big-game mammals for the purpose of hunting.

Hicks says Kawelmacher set out the apples and bacon grease on Aug. 11, and also used anise oil sometime before the controversial hunting season began on Aug. 20. He killed the bear on the first day of the hunt.

Anise oil, which smells like licorice, is often used by hunters to attract bears. While other states allow baiting, Nevada wildlife officials outlawed the activity when adopting regulations for the hunt.

The 55-year-old Kawelmacher is scheduled to appear in Reno Justice Court on Monday.