(a) The Department may acquire, by purchase, lease, condemnation, or gift, title or control of any area of land or water in the State suitable to protect, propagate, or manage wildlife or for hunting purposes. The area of land or water shall be known as a wildlife management area. Any area of land or water greater than 100 acres may be acquired in Garrett County or Allegany County only with the approval of that county. This requirement does not apply to any areas which have previously been authorized for acquisition by the General Assembly.
(b) The Department may purchase or erect any structure necessary for wildlife management and may purchase or lease any area of land or water excluding the ownership of and the right to drill any mineral, oil, or gas.