This section applies to any person participating in a director-authorized bear or cougar depredation permit hunt for domestic animal or livestock loss pursuant to RCW 77.12.240 or 77.15.245:

(1) Black bear and cougar removal criteria:

(a) A landowner or the landowner's designee may submit a request for removal to the department following the procedures established by the department.

(b) Areas permitted for bear or cougar removal action must have confirmed bear or cougar caused property damage.

(c) The department will verify reported damage.

(d) The department shall ensure bear and cougar removals are consistent with population management objectives.

(2) Hunter selection:

(a) Landowner or landowner's designee may only select hunters authorized by the department to participate in a bear or cougar removal effort.

(b) The landowner or landowner's designee and the hunters participating in the removal will be identified as depredation permittees on depredation permits issued for bear or cougar removal.

(3) Permit required for participation in bear or cougar removal:

(a) If approved for bear or cougar removal action, the department will issue and condition the depredation permit and selected hunters participating in removals under this section must comply with provisions of the depredation permit.

(b) Selected hunter(s) must be in possession of the depredation permit while conducting the removal.

(c) Only hunters whose names appear on the depredation permit may take part in the hunt.

(4) General requirements:

(a) Removals must be reported within twenty-four hours of take. Biological samples required on the permit must be submitted and the carcass must be disposed of within forty-eight hours as conditioned in the depredation permit.

(b) All harvested animals must be disposed of as designated on the permit.

(c) Failure to comply with this section may render the permittee ineligible for future bear or cougar depredation permits as determined by the department.

(d) The depredation permit belongs to the state of Washington. A violation of any condition of the depredation permit may result in revocation of the depredation permit and may render the permittee(s) ineligible for future bear or cougar damage depredation permits; until all issues pertaining to the revocation are resolved at the department's discretion.

(e) A violation of subsection (3) of this section or this subsection (4) are punishable under RCW 77.15.245, 77.15.410, or 77.15.750, depending on the circumstances of the violation.