The commissioner may pay rewards for information leading to the conviction of a person that has violated a provision of laws relating to wild animals or threatened or endangered species of wildlife. A reward may not exceed $500, except a reward for information relating to big game or threatened or endangered species of wildlife, may be up to $1,000 and a reward for information relating to wolves may be up to $2,500. The rewards may only be paid from funds donated to the commissioner for these purposes and may not be paid to salaried conservation officers or peace officers.