169.37 Inspections.

(1) Departmental authority. For purposes of enforcing this chapter and the rules promulgated under this chapter with respect to a person who is required to have a license or maintain records under this chapter, a conservation warden or representative of the department, upon presenting his or her credentials to that person, may do any of the following:

(a) Enter and inspect any land, vehicle, building, or other structure where live wild animals are possessed or where carcasses of wild animals are possessed.

(b) Inspect any equipment, materials, or other activities related to the wild animals.

(c) Gain access to and inspect any records required to be kept under s. 169.36.

(d) Investigate and inspect any wild animal or any other animal to be introduced, stocked, or released into the wild. Inspection under this paragraph may include the removal of reasonable diagnostic samples from wild animals for biological examination.

(2) Times for inspections. An inspection authorized under sub. (1) or (4) may be conducted during any of the following times:

(a) Normal business hours.

(b) During the time that the person who possesses wild animals or carcasses of wild animals is conducting business.

(c) At any time, if the inspection is necessary for public health, safety, or welfare.

(3) Prohibiting inspections. No person who has been requested to submit to an inspection under this section or s. 169.38 or an operator of a vehicle for such a person, or employee or person acting on behalf of such a person, may prohibit entry as authorized under this section or s. 169.38 unless a court restrains or enjoins the entry or inspection.

(4) Inspections of introduced or stocked animals. Only persons determined by the department to be experienced in wildlife disease may remove diagnostic samples under sub. (1) (d).

(5) Taxidermists. For an inspection of a taxidermist's place of business, this section does not apply, and the department shall conduct the inspection as authorized under s. 29.506 (7).

History: 2001 a. 56.