1. Commissioner‘s authority. The State assents to the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, Public Law, September 2, 1937, chapter 899, as amended, and the Federal Aid in Fish Restoration Act, Public Law, August 9, 1950, chapter 658, as amended. The commissioner is authorized, empowered and directed to perform such acts as may be necessary to the conduct and establishment of cooperative wildlife and fish restoration projects, as defined in those Acts of Congress, in compliance with those Acts and with rules and regulations promulgated by the United States Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior under those Acts. In accordance with the Constitution of Maine, Article IX, Section 22, the commissioner shall ensure that none of the revenue collected, received or recovered by the department from license and permit fees; fines; the sale, lease or rental of property; penalties; and all other revenue sources pursuant to the laws of the State administered by the department, is diverted to any purpose other than administration of the department.

2. Control of distribution and conservation of hares and rabbits. The commissioner may at any time take and transport live hares or rabbits by purchasing them from local trappers whenever the commissioner determines it necessary for the proper distribution and conservation of hares and rabbits.