87-5-111. Enforcement and penalty. (1) Any person who violates the provisions of this part or whoever fails to procure or violates the terms of any permit issued thereunder shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

(2) Upon a first conviction for a violation under this part, the court may fine the defendant not to exceed $250. Upon a second such conviction, the defendant may be fined not to exceed $500 or be imprisoned in the county jail for any term not to exceed 30 days, or both. Upon subsequent such convictions, the defendant shall be fined not less than $500 or more than $1,000 and in addition may be imprisoned in the county jail for any term not to exceed 6 months.

(3) Any officer employed and authorized by the director or any peace officer of the state or of any municipality or county within the state shall have authority to enforce the provisions of this part.

(4) Wildlife seized under the provisions of this part shall be held by an officer or agent of the department pending disposition of court proceedings and thereafter be forfeited to the state for disposition as the director may deem appropriate. Prior to forfeiture, the director may direct the transfer of wildlife so seized to a qualified zoological, educational, or scientific institution for safekeeping. The department is authorized to issue regulations to implement this subsection.