77.15.170 - Waste of fish and wildlife -- Penalty. - Washington Statutes

Waste of fish and wildlife — Penalty.

(1) A person is guilty of waste of fish and wildlife in the second degree if:

     (a) The person kills, takes, or possesses fish, shellfish, or wildlife and the value of the fish, shellfish, or wildlife is greater than twenty dollars but less than two hundred fifty dollars; and

     (b) The person recklessly allows such fish, shellfish, or wildlife to be wasted.

     (2) A person is guilty of waste of fish and wildlife in the first degree if:

     (a) The person kills, takes, or possesses fish, shellfish, or wildlife having a value of two hundred fifty dollars or more or wildlife classified as big game; and

     (b) The person recklessly allows such fish, shellfish, or wildlife to be wasted.

     (3)(a) Waste of fish and wildlife in the second degree is a misdemeanor.

     (b) Waste of fish and wildlife in the first degree is a gross misdemeanor. Upon conviction, the department shall revoke any license or tag used in the crime and shall order suspension of the person's privileges to engage in the activity in which the person committed waste of fish and wildlife in the first degree for a period of one year.

     (4) It is prima facie evidence of waste if a processor purchases or engages a quantity of food fish, shellfish, or game fish that cannot be processed within sixty hours after the food fish, game fish, or shellfish are taken from the water, unless the food fish, game fish, or shellfish are preserved in good marketable condition.

[1999 c 258 § 5; 1998 c 190 § 21.]