(1) A person is guilty of unlawful hunting of big game in the second degree if the person:

(a) Hunts for big game and, whether or not the person takes or possesses big game, the person has not purchased the appropriate license, permit, or tags required under this title;

(b) Takes or possesses big game, but does not have in the person's possession the licenses, tags, or permits required under this title;

(c) Takes or possesses big game and violates any department rule regarding seasons, bag or possession limits, closed areas including game reserves, closed times, or any other rule governing the hunting, taking, or possession of deer, elk, cougar, and black bear;

(d) Hunts for big game and, whether or not the person takes or possesses big game, the person does not have in the person's possession the licenses, tags, or permits required under this title; and the act occurs within two years of the date of a prior committed finding of any big game hunting infraction under RCW 77.15.160(6); or

(e) Violates any department rule 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 species other than deer, elk, cougar, or black bear.

(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, without the proper license, tag, or permit 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. Courts shall impose the mandatory penalty requirements of RCW 77.15.420.

(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 10 years. Courts shall impose the mandatory penalty requirements of RCW 77.15.420.

(4) For the purposes of this section, "same course of events" means within one 72 hour period, or a common scheme or plan of a series of acts that are unlawful under subsection (1) of this section.