FINAL BILL REPORT
HB 1340
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
C 133 L 11
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Regarding the unlawful hunting of big game.
Sponsors: Representatives Kretz, McCune, Johnson and Warnick.
House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources
Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Marine Waters
Background:
The crime of unlawful hunting of big game in the second degree is committed when a person does one of three things:
hunts for, takes, or possesses big game without the required licenses and tags;
violates any rules regarding requirements for hunting big game; or
possesses a big game animal taken during a closed season.
The crime of unlawful hunting of big game in the first degree is committed when a person who has previously committed a wildlife-related crime, within five years of that conviction, commits one of the acts that qualifies as unlawful hunting in the second degree.
The term "big game" is defined to include the following animals: deer, elk, moose, mountain goats, caribou, mountain sheep, pronghorn antelopes, cougars, black bears, and grizzly bears.
Summary:
The elements of the crime of unlawful hunting of big game in the first degree are changed. A person may be convicted of this crime without first being convicted of a different wildlife-related crime if the person kills, or attempts to kill, three or more big game animals within the same course of events. The same course of events is defined to mean within a 24-hour period or as part of a series of acts evidencing a continuity of purpose.
The authority to prosecute the first degree of unlawful hunting of big game against a person with an earlier conviction is maintained.
Votes on Final Passage:
House | 97 | 0 | |
Senate | 49 | 0 |
Effective: | July 22, 2011 |