(1) Definitions:

(a) "Trapper with a disability" means a person who has been granted a disability designation and who possesses a valid disabled trappers endorsement issued by the department.

(b) "Disabled trapper endorsement" means an endorsement to a license issued by the department to a person granted a disability designation.

(c) "Designated trapper companion" means a designated person who only assists with that physical function the trapper with a disability is unable to perform, such as trap placement, baiting, checking the trap(s), retrieving, or the tagging of furbearing animals during trapping season.

(d) "Designated trapper companion card" means an identification card issued by the department to a trapper with a disability for use by another person in assisting or acting on the behalf of the trapper with a disability while engaging in trapping activities.

(e) "Accompany" means the trapper with a disability and the designated trapper companion are in the physical presence of each other, not to exceed a 100-foot separation. The trapper with a disability and the designated trapper companion must have a form of reliable and direct communication.

(2) A designated trapper companion card will be issued to the holder of a disabled trapper endorsement upon purchase of a trapping license.

(3) It is unlawful for a trapper with a disability to not follow all agency rules and to fail to possess all required licenses and permits before trapping.

(4) It is unlawful for a designated trapper companion to assist a trapper with a disability unless the designated trapper companion has the designated trapper companion card on his or her person. A designated trapper companion must have a valid trapper license issued by Washington state or another state.

The designated trapper companion must accompany the trapper with a disability during trap placement, baiting, and checking the trap(s).

(5) Furbearing animals killed or retrieved by a designated trapper companion on behalf of a trapper with a disability do not count against the designated trapper companion's bag, daily, or possession limit.

(6) A violation of this section is punishable under WAC 220-417-010, 220-417-020, 220-417-030, or other statutes under chapter 77.15 RCW depending on the circumstances of the violation.