(1) A
person is guilty of unlawful hunting of big game in the second
degree if the person:
(a) Hunts for, takes, or possesses big game and the person
does not have and possess all licenses, tags, or permits required
under this title;
(b) Violates any rule of the commission or director
regarding seasons, bag or possession limits, closed areas
including game reserves, closed times, or any other rule
governing the hunting, taking, or possession of big game; or
(c) Possesses big game taken during a closed season for that
big game or taken from a closed area for that big game.
(2) A person is guilty of unlawful hunting of big game in
the first degree if the person commits the act described in
subsection (1) of this section and:
(a) The person hunts for, takes, or possesses three or more
big game animals within the same course of events; or
(b) The act occurs within five years of the date of a prior
conviction under this title involving unlawful hunting, killing,
possessing, or taking big game.
(3)(a) Unlawful hunting of big game in the second degree is
a gross misdemeanor. Upon conviction of an offense involving
killing or possession of big game taken during a closed season,
closed area, or taken using an unlawful method, or in excess of
the bag or possession limit, the department shall revoke all of
the person's hunting licenses and tags and order a suspension of
the person's hunting privileges for two years.
(b) Unlawful hunting of big game in the first degree is a
class C felony. Upon conviction, the department shall revoke all
of the person's hunting licenses or tags and order the person's
hunting privileges suspended for ten years.
(4) For the purposes of this section, "same course of
events" means within one twenty-four hour period, or a pattern of
conduct composed of a series of acts that are unlawful under
subsection (1) of this section, over a period of time evidencing
a continuity of purpose.
[2011 c 133 § 1; 2005 c 406 § 4; 1999 c 258 § 3; 1998 c 190 § 10.]