41:08:02:12.  Possession of wild animals caught outside established season prohibited -- Immediate release or contact with department representative required. Any trapper who finds a live wild animal in a trap or snare belonging to the trapper at a time when the established season is closed must immediately release the animal.

          Any trapper who finds a dead wild animal in a trap or snare belonging to the trapper at a time when the established season is closed shall leave the animal undisturbed in the trap or snare and shall contact a department representative within 12 hours. The department representative may authorize the temporary possession of the wild animal until it can  be surrendered to the department.

          Source: 30 SDR 21, effective August 25, 2003; 31 SDR 21, effective August 23, 2004.

          General Authority: SDCL 41-2-18(14), 41-8-20.

          Law Implemented: SDCL 41-2-18(14), 41-8-20.