372.31  Disposition of illegal fishing devices.--

(1)  In all cases of arrest and conviction for use of illegal nets or traps or fishing devices, as provided in this chapter, such illegal net, trap, or fishing device is declared to be a nuisance and shall be seized and carried before the court having jurisdiction of such offense and said court shall order such illegal trap, net or fishing device forfeited to the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission immediately after trial and conviction of the person in whose possession they were found. When any illegal net, trap or fishing device is found in the fresh waters of the state, and the owner of same shall not be known to the officer finding the same, such officer shall immediately procure from the county court judge an order forfeiting said illegal net, trap or fishing device to the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission. The Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission may destroy such illegal net, trap or fishing device, if in its judgment said net, trap or fishing device is not of value in the work of the department.

(2)  When any nets, traps, or fishing devices are found being used illegally as provided in this chapter, the same shall be seized and forfeited to the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission as provided in this chapter.