Michigan hunter enters plea in slaying of mother bear

A 27-year-old western Michigan hunter has pleaded guilty to unlawfully taking a bear in the death of a mother bear that was with her cubs.

The Muskegon Chronicle reports that Derek Hassevoort of Zeeland entered the plea Monday in Oceana County District Court.

Judge H. Kevin Drake sentenced Hassevoort to five days in jail. The time will be served over two weekends.

Hassevoort also owes $1,500 restitution to the state and $400 in fines and court costs. His hunting privileges also are suspended for several years.

A compound bow was used to shoot the black bear Sept. 23 northwest of Grand Rapids in Colfax Township. It’s illegal to shoot a mother bear that’s with her cubs.  (AP)

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