§ 20.1-06-12 — Regulations governing private fish hatcheries

Any person operating a private fish hatchery is not subject to fishing seasons, limits, legal
size restrictions, or other methods of taking fish as provided in any governor's proclamation. The

director may adopt rules governing the operation of private fish hatcheries. No license is
required of any person for taking fish by angling at a licensed private fish hatchery operated in
accordance with the rules of the director. The hatchery operator shall furnish to each person
taking fish a written certificate in the form the director prescribes, giving the number and
description of the fish taken and other information as the director requires, whereupon the fish
may be possessed, shipped, or transported within the state in like manner as fish taken by
residents under a license. The director shall issue an annual license to operate the hatchery
during a calendar year or a portion of a year upon application and payment of the appropriate
fee by the owner or operator. The license may be suspended for noncompliance with the
director's regulations.