(1) Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, a person may not use bait to attract or take black bears or use one or more dogs to hunt or pursue black bears or cougars.
(2) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section prohibits the use of bait or one or more dogs by employees or agents of county, state or federal agencies while acting in their official capacities.
(3) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section prohibits the use of bait or dogs by persons for the taking of black bears or cougars in accordance with the provisions of ORS 498.012 relating to taking wildlife that is causing damage.
(4) Any person who violates subsection (1) of this section commits a Class A misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall in addition to appropriate criminal penalties have the person’s privilege to apply for any hunting license suspended for a period of five years for a first offense and permanently suspended for any subsequent offense.
(5) For the purposes of this section, “bait” means any material placed for the purpose of attracting or attempting to attract bears.