Washington § 77.15.170 - Waste of fish and wildlife — Penalty.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 77.15.170 — Waste of fish and wildlife — Penalty., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 77.15.170. Waste of fish and wildlife — Penalty.

(1) A person is guilty of waste of fish and wildlife if the person:

(a) Takes or possesses wildlife classified as food fish, game fish, shellfish, or game birds having a value of two hundred fifty dollars or more, or wildlife classified as big game; and

(b) Recklessly allows such fish, shellfish, or wildlife to be wasted.

(2) Waste of fish and wildlife is a gross misdemeanor. Upon conviction, the department shall revoke any license or tag used in the crime and shall order suspension of the person's privileges to engage in the activity in which the person committed waste of fish and wildlife for a period of one year.

(3) It is prima facie evidence of waste if:

(a) A fish dealer purchases or engages a quantity of food fish, shellfish, or game fish that cannot be processed within sixty hours after the food fish, game fish, or shellfish are taken from the water, unless the food fish, game fish, or shellfish are preserved in good marketable condition; or

(b) A person brings a big game animal to a wildlife meat cutter and then abandons the animal. For purposes of this subsection (3)(b), a big game animal is deemed to be abandoned when its carcass is placed in the custody of a wildlife meat cutter for butchering and processing and:

(i) Having been placed in such custody for an unspecified period of time, the meat is not removed within thirty days after the wildlife meat cutter gives notice to the person who brought in the carcass or, having been so notified, the person who brought in the carcass refuses or fails to pay the agreed upon or reasonable charges for the butchering or processing of the carcass; or

(ii) Having been placed in such custody for a specified period of time, the meat is not removed at the end of the specified period or the person who brought in the carcass refuses to pay the agreed upon or reasonable charges for the butchering or processing of the carcass.

[ 2017 3rd sp.s. c 8 s 9; 2014 c 48 s 8; 2012 c 176 s 16; 1999 c 258 s 5; 1998 c 190 s 21.]

Notes

Finding—Intent—Effective date—2017 3rd sp.s. c 8: See notes following RCW 77.08.010.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 77.15.170

What does Revised Code of Washington § 77.15.170 cover?

Section 77.15.170 ("Waste of fish and wildlife — Penalty.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 77.15.170?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 77.15.170" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 77.15.170 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Official text of § 77.15.170 at the Washington source

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.