2 Northern California men plead guilty to poaching 8 bears, more animals at night

Two Yuba County men have been convicted in a Northern California poaching case that involved the unlawful pursuit and abuse of 13 wild animals — including eight black bears.

Cameron Gilbert of Browns Valley and Michael Hubbard of Olivehurst used spotlighting and dogs to illegally hunt wildlife, according to the Sierra County District Attorney’s Office. The animals they hunted included the bears as well as a bobcat, a raccoon, a turkey and multiple wild pigs.

Prosecutors said the men used dogs and a hunting technique known as spotlighting, in which animals are dazed or stunned by blinding artificial lights at night, making them easier to shoot. A photo released with the announcement shows a bear clinging to a tree, caught in a spotlight beam during one of the illegal hunts. The method is illegal under California hunting laws.

“This was a serious poaching case,” District Attorney Sandra Groven said in a statement. “Sierra County provides abundant opportunities for lawful hunting and outdoor recreation, but those opportunities come with clear legal responsibilities. Ethical sportsmen follow the rules.

“Those who choose to poach should expect to be prosecuted.”

Gilbert pleaded guilty to felony animal abuse, unlawful spotlighting, hunting bear with dogs, and hunting without a license. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail, fined $5,000, ordered to forfeit seized property and placed on felony probation for three years. As a convicted felon, Gilbert is barred from owning firearms, the DA’s Office said.

Hubbard pleaded no contest to misdemeanor animal abuse, unlawful possession of wildlife and hunting bear with dogs. He was sentenced to 80 hours of community service and a year of probation, fined $2,000 and barred from hunting for three years.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, which investigated the case, may take separate administrative action regarding the men’s future hunting privileges, prosecutors said.

Because no state game warden is currently assigned to Sierra County, authorities asked for the public’s help in reporting wildlife and hunting crimes. Residents are encouraged to report suspected violators to the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office at 530-289-3700 or anonymously to CalTIP — the state hotline for suspected poachers and polluters — at 888-334-2258 or by texting “CALTIP” and your message to 847411.