On August 15, 2025, Timothy J. Collar, a hunting guide from Oconto County, was fined $3,000 and banned from hunting for one year following his conviction for illegal bear baiting on federal land. The sentence was issued by United States District Judge Byron B. Conway.
According to court records, Collar organized and led hunts in the Chequamegon-Nicolet Forest in northern Oconto County, Wisconsin. Prior to the 2023 bear hunting season, he placed several large plastic bait barrels at different locations within the forest. These barrels were left uncapped, located near public roads, and exceeded size limits. Additionally, Collar caused damage to natural resources while accessing these bait sites.
The ban prohibits Collar from hunting on federal property during the 2025 Wisconsin bear hunting season scheduled from September 3 to October 7.
The investigation into this case was conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the United States Forest Service.
"Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on August 15, 2025, United States District Judge Byron B. Conway ordered Timothy J. Collar (age: 64) to pay a $3,000 fine and banned him from hunting for 12 months after Collar was convicted of illegal bear baiting on federal property."
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