A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime.

§12257.__Trapping by certain department employees

A department biologist or warden may not trap wild animals for profit while on duty within the district to which that person is assigned.__A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged.

§12258.__Eel permit for licensed trappers

1.__Issuance. The commissioner may issue a permit to any licensed trapper to take eels for baiting traps.

2.__Restrictions. A licensed trapper with an eel permit may not take more than 20 pounds of eels annually, by eel pots or hook and line only, for use in baiting traps.

3.__Penalty.__Each day a person violates a restriction of a permit issued in accordance with this section, that person commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged.

§12259. Trapping beaver

1.__Snares.__A person may use snares to trap for beaver during the open beaver trapping season.

2.__Rules.__All rules adopted pursuant to section 10104, subsection 1 pertaining to the trapping of beaver with killer- type traps also apply to the trapping of beaver with snares.

3.__Nonresident trapping beaver. A nonresident may not trap beaver in this State.

§12260. Trapping bear

1.__Open and closed season.__There is an open season on trapping bear from September 1st to October 31st annually.

A.__The commissioner may shorten the open season on bear in any part of the State as long as:

(1)__The demarcation of the areas with a shortened season follows recognizable physical boundaries such as rivers and railroad rights-of-way; and