Liberation of fish, shellfish and wildlife

§ 11-0507. Liberation of fish, shellfish and wildlife.

1. Fish or fish eggs shall not be placed in any waters of the state unless a permit is first obtained from the department; but no permit shall be required to place fish or fish eggs in an aquarium.

2. No person shall liberate or import or cause to be imported for the purpose of liberation within the state any European hare (Lepus europaeus), European or San Juan rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), Texas or jack rabbit (Lepus californicus), gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), including captive bred gray fox, red fox (Vulpes vuples), including captive bred red fox or nutria (Myocastor coypus), whether taken from within or without the state. Nutria may be imported only by permit of the department for scientific, exhibition or for breeding purposes.

3. No person shall willfully liberate within the state any wildlife except under permit from the department. The department may issue such permit in its discretion, fix the terms thereof and revoke it at pleasure. These provisions do not apply to migratory game birds, importation of which is governed by regulation of the department.

4. No person shall intentionally liberate zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) into any waters of the state. No person shall buy, sell, or offer to buy or sell, or intentionally possess or transport zebra mussels except under a license or permit issued pursuant to section 11-0515. Zebra mussels, except those lawfully held pursuant to a license or permit, may be destroyed by any person at any time.