(Wash. Rev. Code § 77.16.340 (1996))

WEST'S REVISED CODE OF WASHINGTON ANNOTATED
TITLE 77. GAME AND GAME FISH
CHAPTER 77.16. PROHIBITED ACTS AND PENALTIES

77.16.340. Obstructing the taking of fish or wildlife--Penalty--Defenses
(1) A person commits the crime of obstructing the taking of fish or wildlife if the person:

(a) Harasses, drives, or disturbs fish or wildlife with the intent of disrupting lawful pursuit or taking thereof; or
(b) Harasses, interferes with, or intimidates an individual engaged in the lawful taking of fish or wildlife or lawful predator control.


(2) Violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor under RCW 77.21.010.

(3) It is a defense to any prosecution under subsection (1) of this section, if the person charged:

(a) Interferes with any person engaged in hunting outside legally established hunting seasons;
(b) Is preventing or attempting to prevent the injury or killing of a protected wildlife species, as defined by this title;

(c) Is preventing or attempting to prevent unauthorized trespass on private property; or

(d) Is defending oneself or another person from bodily harm or property damage by a person attempting to prevent hunting in a legally established hunting season.


Enacted by Laws 1988, ch. 265, § 1, eff. July 1, 1988.

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