MADISON (WSAU) - Four hunters were found guilty of illegal bear hunting in federal court, ending a long-running investigation that dates back to 2009. One of the convicted men is 53-year-old Michael Renken of Merrill. He's been sentenced to two years probation, and fined $3,000.

Renken was involved in illegally transferring his bear license to an undercover officer. He also offered help to process the bear meat and turn the animal's hide into a rug.

The others were acting as illegal hunting guides, allowing bears to be hunted and killed with bear licenses that were illegally transferred. They've been identified as 48-year-old John Kellogg of Gillett, 41-year-old Christopher Halfman of Green Bay, and 53-year-old Mark Barlament of North Carolina.