(a) The executive director shall conduct an investigation 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 fish and wildlife commission shall issue proposed regulations not later than April 5, 1975, and develop management programs designed to ensure the continued ability of nongame, endangered or threatened wildlife to perpetuate themselves successfully. Such proposed regulations shall set forth species or subspecies of nongame wildlife that the executive director deems in need of management pursuant to this section, giving their common and scientific names by species or subspecies. The executive director shall conduct ongoing investigations of nongame wildlife and may from time to time recommend amendments to such regulations by adding to or deleting from the regulations species or subspecies of nongame wildlife.

(b) The commission shall by such regulations establish proposed limitations relating to habitat, alteration, taking, possession, transportation, exportation, processing, sale or offer for sale, or shipment as may be deemed necessary to manage such nongame wildlife.

(c) Except as provided in regulations issued by the commission, it is unlawful for any person to take, attempt to take, possess, transport, export, process, sell or offer for sale or ship nongame wildlife. Subject to the same exception, it is also unlawful for any common or contract carrier knowingly to transport or receive for shipment nongame wildlife.