Any person who desires to establish a shooting preserve under this chapter may apply to the director for a shooting preserve operating permit. The application must be made by the applicant, the applicant’s agent, or the applicant’s attorney; must be in the form the director prescribes; and must be accompanied by the appropriate operating permit fee. Acreage [hectarage] amounts must include lands used for hatching, game production areas, or headquarters areas. Upon the receipt of the application, the director shall inspect the area described therein, including the facilities, and shall investigate the ability of the applicant to operate an area of this character, in accordance with section 20.1-12-03. The permit, if granted, must be issued for one year, and may be renewed annually by payment of the appropriate operating permit fee.