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RCW 77.15.065Authority of attorney general if prosecuting attorney defaults.If the prosecuting attorney of the county in which a violation of this title or rule of the department occurs fails to file an information against the alleged violator, the attorney general upon request of the commission may file an information in the superior court of the county and prosecute the case in place of the prosecuting attorney. The commission may request prosecution by the attorney general if thirty days have passed since the commission informed the county prosecuting attorney of the alleged violation.[1996 c 267 § 9; 1983 1st ex.s. c 46 § 41; 1949 c 112 § 24; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 5780-222. Formerly RCW 75.10.100, 75.08.275, 43.25.070.]Notes:Intent -- Effective date -- 1996 c 267: See notes following RCW 77.12.177. RCW 77.15.075Enforcement authority of fish and wildlife officers.(1) Fish and wildlife officers and ex officio fish and wildlife officers shall enforce this title, rules of the department, and other statutes as prescribed by the legislature. Fish and wildlife officers who are not ex officio officers shall have and exercise, throughout the state, such police powers and duties as are vested in sheriffs and peace officers generally. An applicant for a fish and wildlife officer position must be a citizen of the United States of America who can read and write the English language. All fish and wildlife officers employed after June 13, 2002, must successfully complete the basic law enforcement academy course, known as the basic course, sponsored by the criminal justice training commission, or the basic law enforcement equivalency certification, known as the equivalency course, provided by the criminal justice training commission. All officers employed on June 13, 2002, must have successfully completed the basic course, the equivalency course, or the supplemental course in criminal law enforcement, known as the supplemental course, offered under chapter 155, Laws of 1985. Any officer who has not successfully completed the basic course, the equivalency course, or the supplemental course must complete the basic course or the equivalency course within fifteen months of June 13, 2002. (2) Fish and wildlife officers are peace officers. (3) Any liability or claim of liability under chapter 4.92 RCW that arises out of the exercise or alleged exercise of authority by a fish and wildlife officer rests with the department unless the fish and wildlife officer acts under the direction and control of another agency or unless the liability is otherwise assumed under an agreement between the department and another agency. (4) Fish and wildlife officers may serve and execute warrants and processes issued by the courts.[2003 c 388 § 3; 2002 c 128 § 4; 2000 c 107 § 212; 1998 c 190 § 112; 1993 sp.s. c 2 § 67; 1988 c 36 § 50; 1987 c 506 § 16; 1985 c 155 § 2; 1980 c 78 § 17. Formerly RCW 77.12.055.]Notes:Effective date -- 1993 sp.s. c 2 §§ 1-6, 8-59, and 61-79: See RCW 43.300.900.Severability -- 1993 sp.s. c 2: See RCW 43.300.901.Legislative findings and intent -- 1987 c 506: See note following RCW 77.04.020.Effective date -- Intent, construction -- Savings -- Severability -- 1980 c 78: See notes following RCW 77.04.010. RCW 77.15.090Search, arrest warrant Issuance Execution.On a showing of probable cause that there has been a violation of any fish, seaweed, shellfish, or wildlife law of the state of Washington, or upon a showing of probable cause to believe that evidence of such violation may be found at a place, a court shall issue a search warrant or arrest warrant. Fish and wildlife officers may execute any such arrest or search warrant reasonably necessary to their duties under this title and may seize fish, seaweed, shellfish, and wildlife or any evidence of a crime and the fruits or instrumentalities of a crime as provided by warrant. The court may have a building, enclosure, vehicle, vessel, container, or receptacle opened or entered and the contents examined.[2001 c 253 § 24; 2000 c 107 § 234; 1998 c 190 § 117; 1980 c 78 § 26; 1955 c 36 § 77.12.120. Prior: 1947 c 275 § 22; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5992-32. Formerly RCW 77.12.120.]Notes:Effective date -- Intent, construction -- Savings -- Severability -- 1980 c 78: See notes following RCW 77.04.010. RCW 77.15.092Arrest without warrant.Fish and wildlife officers and ex officio fish and wildlife officers may arrest without warrant persons found violating the law or rules adopted pursuant to this title.[2000 c 107 § 213; 1998 c 190 § 114; 1987 c 506 § 19; 1980 c 78 § 20; 1971 ex.s. c 173 § 2; 1961 c 68 § 3; 1955 c 36 § 77.12.080. Prior: 1947 c 275 § 18; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5992-28. Formerly RCW 77.12.080.]Notes:Legislative findings and intent -- 1987 c 506: See note following RCW 77.04.020.Effective date -- Intent, construction -- Savings -- Severability -- 1980 c 78: See notes following RCW 77.04.010. RCW 77.15.094Search without warrant Seizure of evidence, property Limitation.Fish and wildlife officers and ex officio fish and wildlife officers may make a reasonable search without warrant of a vessel, conveyances, vehicles, containers, packages, or other receptacles for fish, seaweed, shellfish, and wildlife which they have reason to believe contain evidence of a violation of law or rules adopted pursuant to this title and seize evidence as needed for law enforcement. This authority does not extend to quarters in a boat, building, or other property used exclusively as a private domicile, does not extend to transitory residences in which a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, and does not allow search and seizure without a warrant if the thing or place is protected from search without warrant within the meaning of Article I, section 7 of the state Constitution. Seizure of property as evidence of a crime does not preclude seizure of the property for forfeiture as authorized by law.[2001 c 253 § 25; 2000 c 107 § 214; 1998 c 190 § 115; 1987 c 506 § 20; 1980 c 78 § 21; 1955 c 36 § 77.12.090. Prior: 1947 c 275 § 19; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5992-29. Formerly RCW 77.12.090.]Notes:Legislative findings and intent -- 1987 c 506: See note following RCW 77.04.020.Effective date -- Intent, construction -- Savings -- Severability -- 1980 c 78: See notes following RCW 77.04.010. RCW 77.15.096Inspection without warrant Commercial fish and wildlife entities Limitations.Fish and wildlife officers may inspect without warrant at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner the premises, containers, fishing equipment, fish, seaweed, shellfish, and wildlife, and records required by the department of any commercial fisher or wholesale dealer or fish buyer. Fish and wildlife officers may similarly inspect without warrant the premises, containers, fishing equipment, fish, shellfish, and wildlife, and records required by the department of any shipping agent or other person placing or attempting to place fish, shellfish, or wildlife into interstate commerce, any cold storage plant that the department has probable cause to believe contains fish, shellfish, or wildlife, or of any taxidermist or fur buyer. Fish and wildlife officers may inspect without warrant the records required by the department of any retail outlet selling fish, shellfish, or wildlife, and, if the officers have probable cause to believe a violation of this title or rules of the commission has occurred, they may inspect without warrant the premises, containers, and fish, shellfish, and wildlife of any retail outlet selling fish, shellfish, or wildlife. Authority granted under this section does not extend to quarters in a boat, building, or other property used exclusively as a private domicile, does not extend to transitory residences in which a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, and does not allow search and seizure without a warrant if the thing or place is protected from search without warrant within the meaning of Article I, section 7 of the state Constitution.[2002 c 128 § 5; 2001 c 253 § 26; 1998 c 190 § 116; 1982 c 152 § 1; 1980 c 78 § 22. Formerly RCW 77.12.095.]Notes:Effective date -- Intent, construction -- Savings -- Severability -- 1980 c 78: See notes following RCW 77.04.010. RCW 77.15.098Willful misconduct/gross negligence Civil liability.(1) An authorized state, county, or municipal officer may be subject to civil liability under RCW 77.15.070 for willful misconduct or gross negligence in the performance of his or her duties. (2) The director, the fish and wildlife commission, or the department may be subject to civil liability for their willful or reckless misconduct in matters involving the seizure and forfeiture of personal property involved with fish or wildlife offenses.[2000 c 107 § 215; 1993 sp.s. c 2 § 68; 1989 c 314 § 3. Formerly RCW 77.12.103.]Notes:Effective date -- 1993 sp.s. c 2 §§ 1-6, 8-59, and 61-79: See RCW 43.300.900.Severability -- 1993 sp.s. c 2: See RCW 43.300.901.Finding -- 1989 c 314: "In order to improve the enforcement of wildlife laws it is important to increase the penalties upon poachers by seizing the conveyances and gear that are used in poaching activities and to cause forfeiture of those items to the department." [1989 c 314 § 1.] RCW 77.15.191Revocation of trapper's license Placement of unauthorized traps.The director may revoke the trapper's license of a person placing unauthorized traps on private property and may remove those traps.[2000 c 107 § 268; 1987 c 372 § 4. Formerly RCW 77.65.470, 77.32.199.] RCW 77.15.245Unlawful practices Black bear baiting Exceptions Illegal hunting Use of dogs Exceptions Penalties.(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of RCW 77.12.240, 77.36.020, 77.36.030, or any other provisions of law, it is unlawful to take, hunt, or attract black bear with the aid of bait. (a) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit the killing of black bear with the aid of bait by employees or agents of county, state, or federal agencies while acting in their official capacities for the purpose of protecting livestock, domestic animals, private property, or the public safety. (b) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prevent the establishment and operation of feeding stations for black bear in order to prevent damage to commercial timberland. (c) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit the director from issuing a permit or memorandum of understanding to a public agency, university, or scientific or educational institution for the use of bait to attract black bear for scientific purposes. (d) As used in this subsection, "bait" means a substance placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, scattered, or otherwise used for the purpose of attracting black bears to an area where one or more persons hunt or intend to hunt them. (2) Notwithstanding RCW 77.12.240, 77.36.020, 77.36.030, or any other provisions of law, it is unlawful to hunt or pursue black bear, cougar, bobcat, or lynx with the aid of a dog or dogs. (a) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit the killing of black bear, cougar, bobcat, or lynx with the aid of a dog or dogs by employees or agents of county, state, or federal agencies while acting in their official capacities for the purpose of protecting livestock, domestic animals, private property, or the public safety. A dog or dogs may be used by the owner or tenant of real property consistent with a permit issued and conditioned by the director. (b) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit the director from issuing a permit or memorandum of understanding to a public agency, university, or scientific or educational institution for the use of a dog or dogs for the pursuit, capture and relocation, of black bear, cougar, bobcat, or lynx for scientific purposes. (c) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit the director from issuing a permit or memorandum of understanding to a public agency, university, or scientific or educational institution for the use of a dog or dogs for the killing of black bear, cougar, or bobcat, for the protection of a state and/or federally listed threatened or endangered species. (3)(a) Notwithstanding subsection (2) of this section, the commission shall authorize the use of dogs only in selected areas within a game management unit to address a public safety need presented by one or more cougar. This authority may only be exercised after the commission has determined that no other practical alternative to the use of dogs exists, and after the commission has adopted rules describing the conditions in which dogs may be used. Conditions that may warrant the use of dogs within a game management unit include, but are not limited to, confirmed cougar/human safety incidents, confirmed cougar/livestock and cougar/pet depredations, and the number of cougar capture attempts and relocations. (b) The department shall post on their internet web site the known details of all reported cougar/human, cougar/pet, or cougar/livestock interactions within ten days of receiving the report. The posted material must include, but is not limited to, the location and time of all reported sightings, and the known details of any cougar/livestock incidents. (4) A person who violates subsection (1) or (2) of this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. In addition to appropriate criminal penalties, the department shall revoke the hunting license of a person who violates subsection (1) or (2) of this section and order the suspension of wildlife hunting privileges for a period of five years following the revocation. Following a subsequent violation of subsection (1) or (2) of this section by the same person, a hunting license shall not be issued to the person at any time.[2005 c 107 § 1; 2001 c 253 § 31. Prior: 2000 c 248 § 1; 2000 c 107 § 260; 1997 c 1 § 1 (Initiative Measure No. 655, approved November 5, 1996). Formerly RCW 77.16.360.]Notes:Effective date -- 2000 c 248: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 31, 2000]." [2000 c 248 § 2.]Severability -- 1997 c 1 (Initiative Measure No. 655): "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [1997 c 1 § 2 (Initiative Measure No. 655, approved November 5, 1996).] RCW 77.15.480Certain devices declared public nuisances.Articles or devices unlawfully used, possessed, or maintained for catching, taking, killing, attracting, or decoying wildlife, fish, and shellfish are public nuisances. If necessary, fish and wildlife officers and ex officio fish and wildlife officers may seize, abate, or destroy these public nuisances without warrant or process.[2001 c 253 § 42; 2000 c 107 § 247; 1980 c 78 § 27; 1955 c 36 § 77.12.130. Prior: 1947 c 275 § 23; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5992-33. Formerly RCW 77.12.130.]Notes:Effective date -- Intent, construction -- Savings -- Severability -- 1980 c 78: See notes following RCW 77.04.010. RCW 77.15.565Wholesale fish dealers Accounting of commercial harvest Penalties.Since violation of the rules of the department relating to the accounting of the commercial harvest of food fish and shellfish result in damage to the resources of the state, liability for damage to food fish and shellfish resources is imposed on a wholesale fish dealer or the holder of a direct retail endorsement for violation of a provision in chapter 77.65 RCW or a rule of the department related to the accounting of the commercial harvest of food fish and shellfish and shall be for the actual damages or for damages imposed as follows: (1) For violation of rules requiring the timely presentation to the department of documents relating to the accounting of commercial harvest, fifty dollars for each of the first fifteen documents in a series and ten dollars for each subsequent document in the same series. If documents relating to the accounting of commercial harvest of food fish and shellfish are lost or destroyed and the wholesale dealer or holder of a direct retail endorsement notifies the department in writing within seven days of the loss or destruction, the director shall waive the requirement for timely presentation of the documents. (2) For violation of rules requiring accurate and legible information relating to species, value, harvest area, or amount of harvest, twenty-five dollars for each of the first five violations of this subsection following July 28, 1985, and fifty dollars for each violation after the first five violations. (3) For violations of rules requiring certain signatures, fifty dollars for each of the first two violations and one hundred dollars for each subsequent violation. For the purposes of this subsection, each signature is a separate requirement. (4) For other violations of rules relating to the accounting of the commercial harvest, fifty dollars for each separate violation.[2002 c 301 § 6; 2000 c 107 § 12; 1996 c 267 § 14; 1985 c 248 § 5. Formerly RCW 75.10.150.]Notes:Finding -- Effective date -- 2002 c 301: See notes following RCW 77.65.510.Intent -- Effective date -- 1996 c 267: See notes following RCW 77.12.177.Wholesale fish dealers -- Documentation of commercial harvest: RCW 77.65.310. RCW 77.15.570Participation of non-Indians in Indian fishery forbidden Exceptions, definitions, penalty.(1) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, it is unlawful for a person who is not a treaty Indian fisherman to participate in the taking of fish or shellfish in a treaty Indian fishery, or to be on board a vessel, or associated equipment, operating in a treaty Indian fishery. A violation of this subsection is a gross misdemeanor. (2) A person who violates subsection (1) of this section with the intent of acting for commercial purposes, including any sale of catch, control of catch, profit from catch, or payment for fishing assistance, is guilty of a class C felony. Upon conviction, the department shall order revocation of any license and a one-year suspension of all commercial fishing privileges requiring a license under chapter 77.65 or 77.70 RCW. (3)(a) The spouse, forebears, siblings, children, and grandchildren of a treaty Indian fisherman may assist the fisherman in exercising treaty Indian fishing rights when the treaty Indian fisherman is present at the fishing site. (b) Other treaty Indian fishermen with off-reservation treaty fishing rights in the same usual and accustomed places, whether or not the fishermen are members of the same tribe or another treaty tribe, may assist a treaty Indian fisherman in exercising treaty Indian fishing rights when the treaty Indian fisherman is present at the fishing site. (c) Biologists approved by the department may be on board a vessel operating in a treaty Indian fishery. (4) For the purposes of this section: (a) "Treaty Indian fisherman" means a person who may exercise treaty Indian fishing rights as determined under United States v. Washington, 384 F. Supp. 312 (W.D. Wash. 1974), or Sohappy v. Smith, 302 F. Supp. 899 (D. Oregon 1969), and post-trial orders of those courts; (b) "Treaty Indian fishery" means a fishery open to only treaty Indian fishermen by tribal or federal regulation; (c) "To participate" and its derivatives mean an effort to operate a vessel or fishing equipment, provide immediate supervision in the operation of a vessel or fishing equipment, or otherwise assist in the fishing operation, to claim possession of a share of the catch, or to represent that the catch was lawfully taken in an Indian fishery. (5) A violation of this section constitutes illegal fishing and is subject to the suspensions provided for commercial fishing violations.[2000 c 107 § 251; 1998 c 190 § 49; 1983 1st ex.s. c 46 § 63; 1982 c 197 § 1. Formerly RCW 75.12.320.] RCW 77.15.675Hunting while intoxicated Penalty.(1) A person is guilty of hunting while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs if the person hunts wild animals or wild birds while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs. (2) Hunting while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs is a gross misdemeanor.[1999 c 258 § 12; 1980 c 78 § 75; 1955 c 36 § 77.16.070. Prior: 1947 c 275 § 45a; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5992-55. Formerly RCW 77.16.070.]Notes:Effective date -- Intent, construction -- Savings -- Severability -- 1980 c 78: See notes following RCW 77.04.010. RCW 77.15.710Conviction for assault Revocation of licenses and suspension of privileges.(1) The commission shall revoke all hunting, fishing, or other licenses issued under this title and order a ten-year suspension of all privileges extended under the authority of the department of a person convicted of assault on a fish and wildlife officer, ex officio officer, employee, agent, or personnel acting for the department, if the employee assaulted was on duty at the time of the assault and carrying out the provisions of this title. The suspension shall be continued beyond this period if any damages to the victim have not been paid by the suspended person. (2) For the purposes of this section, the definition of assault includes: (a) RCW 9A.32.030; murder in the first degree; (b) RCW 9A.32.050; murder in the second degree; (c) RCW 9A.32.060; manslaughter in the first degree; (d) RCW 9A.32.070; manslaughter in the second degree; (e) RCW 9A.36.011; assault in the first degree; (f) RCW 9A.36.021; assault in the second degree; and (g) RCW 9A.36.031; assault in the third degree.[2000 c 107 § 257; 1998 c 190 § 67; 1995 1st sp.s. c 2 § 43 (Referendum Bill No. 45, approved November 7, 1995); 1993 sp.s. c 2 § 74; 1991 c 211 § 1. Formerly RCW 77.16.135.]Notes:Referral to electorate -- 1995 1st sp.s. c 2: See note following RCW 77.04.013.Effective date -- 1995 1st sp.s. c 2: See note following RCW 43.17.020.Effective date -- 1993 sp.s. c 2 §§ 1-6, 8-59, and 61-79: See RCW 43.300.900.Severability -- 1993 sp.s. c 2: See RCW 43.300.901. RCW 77.15.730Wildlife violator compact citations and convictions.(1) Upon receipt of a report of failure to comply with the terms of a citation issued for a recreational violation from the licensing authority of a state that is a party to the wildlife violator compact under RCW 77.75.070, the department shall suspend the violator's recreational license privileges under this title until there is satisfactory evidence of compliance with the terms of the wildlife citation. The department shall adopt by rule procedures for the timely notification and administrative review of such suspension of recreational licensing privileges. (2) Upon receipt of a report of a conviction for a recreational offense from the licensing authority of a state that is a party to the wildlife violator compact under RCW 77.75.070, the department shall enter such conviction in its records and shall treat such conviction as if it occurred in the state of Washington for the purposes of suspension, revocation, or forfeiture of recreational license privileges.[2001 c 253 § 47; 1994 c 264 § 45; 1993 c 82 § 6. Formerly RCW 75.10.220.]Notes:Revoked licenses -- Application -- 1993 c 82: See note following RCW 77.75.070. RCW 77.15.732Citations from wildlife violator compact party state Failure to comply.(1) Upon receipt of a report of failure to comply with the terms of a citation from the licensing authority of a state that is a party to the wildlife violator compact under RCW 77.75.070, the department shall suspend the violator's license privileges under this title until satisfactory evidence of compliance with the terms of the wildlife citation has been furnished by the issuing state to the department. The department shall adopt by rule procedures for the timely notification and administrative review of such suspension of licensing privileges. (2) Upon receipt of a report of a conviction from the licensing authority of a state that is a party to the wildlife violator compact under RCW 77.75.070, the department shall enter such conviction in its records and shall treat such conviction as if it occurred in the state of Washington for the purposes of suspension, revocation, or forfeiture of license privileges.[2000 c 107 § 263; 1993 c 82 § 5. Formerly RCW 77.21.090.]Notes:Revoked licenses -- Application -- 1993 c 82: See note following RCW 77.75.070.

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