Every dredge authorized to be used in catching or removing oysters from the public reefs, beds or bottoms of this state shall be licensed by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Before such license is issued, the applicant shall pay to the department of conservation and natural resources or its duly authorized agent a fee of $25.00 for each and every dredge used in taking or catching oysters. The license so issued shall be dated and shall be effective only for the season issued and then only in a manner and place and at a time under regulations and authority of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.