LITTLE FALLS, Minn. – A rural man was fined $1,500 for shooting and killing a trophy-size black bear in his backyard. Michael Theilen, 42, was ordered also to surrender his rifle. His hunting privileges were taken away for three years. The charge: Taking and possessing big game out of season. Judge Leonard Weiler pronounced the sentence after Theilen pleaded guilty. Orginally Theilen explained that the 500-pound bear had been killing ducks and chickens and caused $2,500 damage.
