Re: RANT: Octo hunting in Cove 2

#775995

the_tall_man
Member

Libel may be a stretch, but here’s something those directly involved may want to consider:

RCW 77.15.210

Obstructing the taking of fish, shellfish, or wildlife — Penalty.

(1) A person is guilty of obstructing the taking of fish[, shellfish,] or wildlife if the person:

(a) Harasses, drives, or disturbs fish, shellfish, or wildlife with the intent of disrupting lawful pursuit or taking thereof; or

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

(2) Obstructing the taking of fish, shellfish, or wildlife is a gross misdemeanor.

(3) It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution for obstructing the taking of fish, shellfish, or wildlife that the person charged was:

(a) Interfering with a person engaged in hunting outside the legally established hunting season; or

(b) Preventing or attempting to prevent unauthorized trespass on private property.

(4) The person raising a defense under subsection (3) of this section has the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence.

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=77.15.210

Just like gun ownership…like it or not, sport harvesting is a right people have. So much so there is a specific WA law written to protect that right. Bob Bailey, and people looking to identify and confront Dylan (or ANYONE involved in legal sport harvesting), could be looking at a gross misdemeanor.