Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter to the contrary, the taking and possession of red fox whelps between April 1 and August 15 of each year by persons possessing no less than 5 foxhounds kept for chasing mature red foxes and having a permit issued by the Department shall be permitted for the purpose of raising the whelps for fox chasing. Any whelps possessed by virtue of this section shall have been taken only with permission of the landowner. Any whelp possessed by virtue of this section must be released each year prior to August 15. Only red fox whelps found within this State shall be subject to this section.