Section 2003.

(a) Except as specified in subdivisions (b), (c), and (d), it is unlawful to offer any prize or other inducement as a reward for the taking of any game birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, or amphibians in an individual contest, tournament, or derby.

(b) The department may issue a permit to any person authorizing that person to offer a prize or other inducement as a reward for the taking of any game fish, as defined by the commission by regulation, if it finds that there would be no detriment to the resource. The permit is subject to regulations adopted by the commission. The application for the permit shall be accompanied by a fee in the amount determined by the department as necessary to cover the reasonable administrative costs incurred by the department in issuing the permit. However, the department may waive the permit fee if the contest, tournament, or derby is for persons under the age of 16 years, or who are physically or mentally challenged, the primary purpose of the contest, tournament, or derby is to introduce young anglers to, or educate them about fishing. All permits for which the fee is waived pursuant to this subdivision shall comply with all other requirements set forth in this section.

(c) This section does not apply to any person conducting what are generally known as frog-jumping contests or fish contests conducted in waters of the Pacific Ocean.

(d) This section does not apply to any person conducting an individual contest, tournament, or derby for the taking of game birds and mammals, if the total value of all prizes or other inducements is less than five hundred dollars ($500) for the individual contest, tournament, or derby.

(Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 431, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 2005.)