SDCL § 41-6-32: Scientific collector's license--Privileges--Approval.

Persons who possess and are acting within the scope of a scientific collector's license are exempt from the other criminal sanctions in this title.

A scientific collector's license may be issued by the secretary of game, fish and parks to persons engaged in bona fide scientific research and shall authorize the licensee to take, possess, exchange, transport, and collect birds, nests, eggs, or wild animals in such manner and under such conditions as the secretary may prescribe for scientific purposes only.

A scientific collector's license must be approved by the Game, Fish and Parks Commission. The commission shall promulgate rules pursuant to chapter 1-26 setting the requirements for a scientific collector's license.