Section 9-2-7

Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources - Powers and duties as to game, fish and seafood generally.

(a) The Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources is hereby vested with the power to enforce and administer all laws providing for the preservation, protection, propagation and development of wild birds, wild fur-bearing animals, game fish, saltwater fish, shrimp, oysters and other shellfish, crustaceans and all other species of wildlife within the state or within the territorial jurisdiction of the state which have not been reduced to private ownership, except as otherwise provided.

(b) The Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Ratural resources is empowered:

(1) To formulate a state wildlife policy;

(2) To fix open seasons during which game birds, game and fur-bearing animals may be taken;

(3) To fix daily and season bag limits on game birds and game animals;

(4) To designate by name what species of fish shall be game fish;

(5) To fix daily creel limits on game fish;

(6) To regulate the manner, means and devices for catching or taking game fishes, game birds, game and fur-bearing animals and the manner, means and devices for catching or taking all other species of fish not designated as game fish;

(7) To close the season of any species of game in any county or area when, upon a survey by the department, it is found necessary to the conservation and perpetuation of such species and to reopen such closed season when it is deemed advisable;

(8) To designate by name what animals shall be classed as game or fur-bearing animals and the time, manner, means and devices for taking same; and

(9) To introduce desirable species of game, fish and birds.

(Acts 1935, No. 240, p. 632, §§ 11, 14; Acts 1939, No. 162, p. 255, § 11; Code 1940, T. 8, §17.)