KALISPELL — A Columbia Falls man accused of operating an unlicensed outfitting business has been charged after an undercover investigation that spanned three years.

KCFW-TV in Kalispell reports that Timmie Stephens faces a felony charge of illegal outfitting, as well as nine misdemeanors, including poaching, encouraging a violation of a hunting restriction and unauthorized hunting on private and public land.

Court records say Stephens is accused of running an unlicensed outfitting business since at least 2008. Investigators with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks say he took out-of-state hunters on guided trips in several Western Montana counties and told them that while he couldn't charge for his services, he could accept a tip depending on what game they shot.