How hard is it to get a restricted species permit in California?

[serpentara]

How hard is it to get a restricted species permit in California?

I just found out that gars are illegal here, this was not something I knew, given the fact that my local fish store carries "Needlenose gar" all the time. However it turns out that "Needlenose Gar" are not true gar.

Does anyone know what it takes to get one of these permits? I checked on the department of fish and game's website, and all they list is a phone number that I am sure will not work during the weekend.

Any info would be great.

 

[NatakuTseng]

Its gonna be a real uphill battle. Most states will only give those permits out to educational institutions.