Court clears bear hunt guides who helped Indian

PETOSKEY, Mich. (AP) -- The Michigan appeals court has reversed the misdemeanor convictions of two guides who were found guilty of killing a bear in Emmet County. Prosecutors had argued that William McNeight and Blaine Levigne couldn't help an American Indian hunt for bear in 2010, even though the Indian was allowed to pursue the animal out of season. The appeals court says Michigan law doesn't stop people from assisting someone during a lawful bear hunt. The court notes there's no evidence that the guides possessed a gun, crossbow or bow and arrow. The court's ruling was released Wednesday. Published: Fri, Jul 6, 2012