Killing game or wildlife by mistake

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(a) General rule.--Any person who, while hunting or trapping for game or wildlife which may be lawfully taken, by accident or mistake kills or attempts to kill any game or wildlife other than threatened or endangered species, contrary to the provisions of this title, shall pay restitution pursuant to subsection (b) to an officer of the commission.

(b) Restitution.--Restitution for killing or an attempted killing by accident or mistake shall be as follows:

(1) Each deer - $25.

(2) Each turkey - $20.

(3) Each other wild bird or wild animal, other than an endangered or threatened species - $15.

(4) Each bear - $100.

(5) Each elk - $100.

(c) Procedural requirements.--Any person claiming a mistake kill or attempted kill of game or wildlife pursuant to this section shall:

(1) Immediately remove all of the entrails of any edible game or wildlife and, if big game, tag the animal in the manner prescribed under section 2323 (relating to tagging and reporting big game kills).

(2) Within 24 hours after the killing or attempted killing, report the same to the appropriate commission regional office by telephone or electronic communication.

(3) Within 24 hours after the killing or attempted killing, deliver the entire carcass, less entrails, to any commission officer in the county in which killed for disposition and provide a written, sworn statement to the commission officer explaining when, where and how the accident or mistake occurred.

(4) Within ten days after the killing or attempted killing, provide the commission officer full payment of restitution.

(July 9, 2010, P.L.387, No.54, eff. 60 days; Feb. 15, 2018, P.L.6, No.3, eff. 60 days)

2018 Amendment. Act 3 amended subsecs. (a) and (b).

2010 Amendment. See section 6 of Act 54 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to public notice.

Cross References. Section 2306 is referred to in section 2742 of this title.


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