§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 may 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 is empowered to do all of the following:

(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.

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

(10) To suspend, revoke, or reinstate, pursuant to the terms of any agreements entered into pursuant to subdivision (5) of Section 9-2-2, a hunting, fishing, trapping, or other license or privilege, issued or regulated by the department.

(Acts 1935, No. 240, p. 632, §§11, 14; Acts 1939, No. 162, p. 255, §11; Code 1940, T. 8, §17; Act 2009-724, p. 2165, §1.)