(a) On or after July 1, 1993, no person sixteen years of age or older may hunt waterfowl or take waterfowl in the state without first procuring a Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp and having such stamp in his possession with his signature written in ink across the face of the stamp while hunting waterfowl or taking waterfowl. The stamp shall not be transferable and shall be issued annually beginning on July first.

      (b) The Commissioner of Environmental Protection shall provide for the design, production and procurement of the mandatory Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp and shall, by regulations adopted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, provide for the issuance of the stamp. Stamps shall be sold at a price determined by the commissioner, provided the price of a mandatory stamp shall not exceed ten dollars. Any agent or town clerk issuing such stamps may retain a fee of fifty cents for each stamp sold and shall remit the balance to the Department of Environmental Protection.