(a) The commission shall conduct investigations on nongame wildlife in order to develop information relating to population, distribution, habitat needs, limiting factors, and other biological and ecological data to determine management measures necessary for their continued ability to sustain themselves successfully. On the basis of such determinations the commission shall issue proposed regulations and develop management programs, designed to insure the continued ability of nongame wildlife to perpetuate themselves successfully. Such proposed regulations shall set forth species or subspecies of nongame wildlife which the commission deems in need of management pursuant to this section, giving their common and scientific names by species and subspecies. The commission shall conduct ongoing investigations of nongame wildlife and may from time to time amend such regulations by adding or deleting species or subspecies of nongame wildlife.

(b) The commission shall by such regulations establish proposed limitations relating to taking, possession, transportation, exportation, processing, purchasing, sale or offer for sale, or shipment as may be deemed necessary to manage such nongame wildlife. Such regulation shall become effective sixty (60) days after being proposed during which period public comment shall be solicited and received. The commission may hold a public hearing if deemed appropriate. On the basis of public comments received or the testimony at any such hearing the commission may make such changes in the proposed regulation as are consistent with effective management of nongame wildlife.

(c) Except as provided in regulations issued by the commission, it shall be unlawful for any person to take, possess, transport, export, process, purchase, sell or offer for sale or ship nongame wildlife deemed by the commission to be in need of management pursuant to this section. Subject to the same exception, it shall further be unlawful for any common or contract carrier knowingly to transport or receive for shipment nongame wildlife deemed by the commission to be in need of management pursuant to this section.