(a) In addition to any other program for the stocking or propagation of game birds that the department has as of July 23, 1974, the department shall establish a special program for the raising, maintenance, and release of upland game birds in the state. Birds raised under this program may be released in an appropriate area of the state at any time, but may be harvested only during regular hunting seasons, as specified by the board under AS 16.05.255(a)(2). The board shall adopt regulations necessary to implement this section.
(b) The department shall establish an appropriate facility for the raising and maintenance of upland game birds to be located at an appropriate place, as determined by the commissioner, in interior Alaska.
(c) The department shall employ a method of tagging game birds released under this section and compile harvest statistics.
(d) In this section, “upland game bird” means a game bird for which a season is established under AS 16.05.255(a)(2) as of July 23, 1974, excluding waterfowl.