Washington Code 77.15.400 – Unlawful hunting of wild birds — Violation of a rule requiring nontoxic shot — Penalty
Current as of: 2023 | Check for updates
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(1) A person is guilty of unlawful hunting of wild birds in the second degree if the person hunts for wild birds and, whether or not the person possesses wild birds, the person has not purchased the appropriate hunting license, tags, stamps, and permits issued to Washington residents or nonresidents under chapter 77.32 RCW.
Attorney's Note
Under the Washington Code, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| gross misdemeanor | up to 364 days | up to $5,000 |
Terms Used In Washington Code 77.15.400
- person: may be construed to include the United States, this state, or any state or territory, or any public or private corporation or limited liability company, as well as an individual. See Washington Code 1.16.080
(2) A person is guilty of unlawful hunting of wild birds in the second degree if the person takes or possesses less than two times the bag or possession limit of wild birds and the person:
(a) Owns, but does not have in the person’s possession, all licenses, tags, stamps, and permits required under this title; or
(b) Violates any department rule regarding seasons, bag or possession limits, closed areas, closed times, or the manner or method of hunting or possession of wild birds.
(3) A person is guilty of unlawful hunting of wild birds in the first degree if the person takes or possesses two times or more than the possession or bag limit for wild birds allowed by department rule.
(4)(a) Unlawful hunting of wild birds in the second degree is a misdemeanor.
(b) Unlawful hunting of wild birds in the first degree is a gross misdemeanor.
(5) In addition to the penalties set forth in this section, if a person, other than a youth as defined in RCW 77.08.010 for hunting purposes, violates a department rule that requires the use of nontoxic shot, upon conviction:
(a) The court shall require a payment of one thousand dollars as a criminal wildlife penalty assessment that must be paid to the clerk of the court and distributed to the state treasurer for deposit in the fish and wildlife enforcement reward account created in RCW 77.15.425. The criminal wildlife penalty assessment must be imposed regardless of and in addition to any sentence, fine, or costs imposed for violating this section. The criminal wildlife penalty assessment must be included by the court in any pronouncement of sentence and may not be suspended, waived, modified, or deferred in any respect; and
(b) The department shall revoke the hunting license of the person and order a suspension of small game hunting privileges for two years.