Statutes > Washington Statutes > Title 77 - Fish and wildlife (formerly: game and game fish) > 77.15 - Fish and wildlife enforcement code. > 77.15.180 - Unlawful interference with fishing or hunting gear -- Penalty.

77.15.180 - Unlawful interference with fishing or hunting gear -- Penalty.

Unlawful interference with fishing or hunting gear — Penalty.

(1) A person is guilty of unlawful interference with fishing or hunting gear in the second degree if the person:

     (a) Takes or releases a wild animal from another person's trap without permission;

     (b) Springs, pulls up, damages, possesses, or destroys another person's trap without the owner's permission; or

     (c) Interferes with recreational gear used to take fish or shellfish.

     (2) Unlawful interference with fishing or hunting gear in the second degree is a misdemeanor.

     (3) A person is guilty of unlawful interference with fishing or hunting gear in the first degree if the person:

     (a) Takes or releases fish or shellfish from commercial fishing gear without the owner's permission; or

     (b) Intentionally destroys or interferes with commercial fishing gear.

     (4) Unlawful interference with fishing or hunting gear in the first degree is a gross misdemeanor.

     (5) A person is not in violation of unlawful interference with fishing or hunting gear if the person removes a trap placed on property owned, leased, or rented by the person.

[2001 c 253 § 29; 1998 c 190 § 22.]