Section 77.15.120. Endangered fish or wildlife—Unlawful taking—Penalty.

(1) A person is guilty of unlawful taking of endangered fish or wildlife in the second degree if:

(a) The person hunts for, fishes for, possesses, maliciously harasses, or kills fish or wildlife, or possesses or intentionally destroys the nests or eggs of fish or wildlife;

(b) The fish or wildlife is designated by the commission as endangered; and

(c) The taking of the fish or wildlife or the destruction of the nests or eggs has not been authorized by rule of the commission, a permit issued by the department, or a permit issued pursuant to the federal endangered species act.

(2) A person is guilty of unlawful taking of endangered fish or wildlife in the first degree if the person has been:

(a) Convicted under subsection (1) of this section or convicted of any crime under this title involving the taking, possessing, or malicious harassment of endangered fish or wildlife; and

(b) Within five years of the date of the prior conviction the person commits the act described by subsection (1) of this section.

(3)(a) Unlawful taking of endangered fish or wildlife in the second degree is a gross misdemeanor.

(b) Unlawful taking of endangered fish or wildlife in the first degree is a class C felony. The department shall revoke any licenses or tags used in connection with the crime and order the person's privileges to hunt, fish, trap, or obtain licenses under this title to be suspended for two years.

[ 2014 c 48 § 5; 2000 c 107 § 236; 1998 c 190 § 13.]

2014 c 48 § 5; 2000 c 107 § 236; 1998 c 190 § 13.