The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) confirms that two men were arrested on Friday, July 12 for allegedly hunting and killing a black bear outside of a managed hunting zone. 

NDOW says they cannot comment further as they are the investigating agency in this case. 

According to court documents, Joe Freeman Crim Jr. and Michael Lane Stremler were arrested on a category E felony for the killing of a big game animal, a violation of NRS 501.376 and 195.020 and a misdemeanor for unlawful wildlife act - hunt, chase or pursue black bear with a dog in a closed area, a violation of NRS. 501.385. and NAC 503.147.

The two men are accused of chasing a black bear with a dog and killing it in a closed area above Bowers Mansion in Washoe Valley on or about November 10, 2023. 

Both men are currently out on $3,000 bail and are scheduled to appear in Reno Justice Court for a Mandatory Status conference on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. 

Joe Freeman Crim Jr. currently sits as Vice-Chair for the Pershing County Commissioners Office, in addition to being a known hunting guide, although he was not active at the time of the killings.

He also sits on an undisclosed advisory board that works in conjunction with NDOW but the two are separate entities.