Release of turkeys into wild areas of state prohibited; exceptions; penalty.

(a) It shall be unlawful to release any tame turkey, or any other turkey, whether wild or tame, into any of the wild areas of this state.

(b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to any turkeys kept by any farmer or homeowner of this state for normal agricultural purposes or for personal consumption.

(c) Nothing in this section is intended to prohibit the stocking of wild turkeys by authorized personnel of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for propagation or research purposes.

(d) Any person who shall be convicted of violating any provision of this section shall be deemed guilty of a "violation" under the criminal code of this state and shall be punished as provided for in said code.

(Acts 1980, No. 80-601, p. 1019, §§1-4.)