A northeast Wisconsin man has been sentenced to six months in prison for breaking federal wildlife laws while operating a business as a bear hunting guide.
48-year-old John Kellogg of Gillett was one on four people sentenced after a six year investigation ended in 2011 with charges filed. Kellogg hired others to buy bear hunting tags for $1,000 dollars each, and to arrange to have Kellogg paid as a guide for the illegal bear hunting. Authorities caught wind of the scheme and used undercover officers to work with Kellogg.
Three others who took part in the scheme were also sentenced on lesser convictions. 53-year-old Michael Renken of Merrill, 41-year-old Christopher Halfmann of Green Bay, and 53-year-old Mark Barlament of Mint Hill North Carolina were put on probation ranging from one to three years. The will each pay fines of up to $5,000 and lose sporting privileges for up to six years.
Besides his prison time, Kellogg must spend three years under federal supervision and pay $10,000 to state and federal conservation funds. Kellogg lost also lost his hunting, trapping, and fishing privileges for 15 years.
