Darby man sentenced in bear poaching case

HAMILTON (AP) – A 63-year-old Darby man will no longer be able to hunt, fish and trap in Montana after being sentenced in a bear poaching case.

The Ravalli Republic reports that James Harrison was sentenced Friday by Ravalli County District Court Judge James Haynes, who also ordered Harrison to pay $9,000 in restitution.

In addition, Harrison must spend 180 hours addressing hunter education classes about breaking hunting regulations.

Harrison pleaded guilty in June to five felony counts that included unlawful possession of nine bears that were illegally killed over bait between 2009 and 2014.

Harrison was one of three Ravalli County men charged in the case.

The other two pleaded guilty earlier to misdemeanor charges.

Harrison said he's been humiliated and humbled by this case.