Trial date set in grizzly case

A Bigfork man charged with three counts of grizzly bear poaching will head to trial after pleading not guilty Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Missoula.

A spokeswoman with the U.S. District Attorney’s office said Dan Calvert Wallen is scheduled to appear before a judge March 10. 

He was released without bail and could still enter into a plea agreement before then.

Each count of unlawful taking of a threatened species carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison and a $25,000 fine.

Wallen’s alleged bear-shooting spree occurred May 27 when his neighbor discovered the first bear near his residence. The bear was injured and the neighbor shot and killed it.

A second dead bear was located in the same area the next day by a Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks biologist. 

The third bear was found about one week later when a second neighbor located the decomposing carcass east of Wallen’s residence.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office alleges Wallen shot all three bears within minutes of each other, according to the charges filed Dec. 23.

Reporter Samuel Wilson may be reached at 758-4407 or by email at swilson@dailyinterlake.com.