(1) The prosecuting officers of the several courts of criminal jurisdiction of this state shall investigate and prosecute all violations of the laws relating to game, freshwater fish, nongame birds, and fur-bearing animals which may be brought to their attention by the commission or its conservation officers, or which may otherwise come to their knowledge.
(2) The state attorney shall represent the state in any forfeiture proceeding under this chapter. The Department of Legal Affairs shall represent the state in all appeals from judgments of forfeiture to the Supreme Court. The state may appeal any judgment denying forfeiture in whole or in part that may be otherwise adverse to the state.