I recieved a brief reply today, basically copy/pasting the "4 per species per year / 12 in possession in aggregate" part of the regulations. Said nothing pertaining to importing. I've replied asking how the limit of 12 would apply to captive breeding... I could theoretically exceed that limit just by picking up a gravid female... the Wandering female I picked up last year had something in the teens, but all but 4 were stillborn.

It appears that these native garter species are exempt from the "no gift" rule, so I do at least have that outlet.

The wording of the email also made me question whether the aggregate is 12 total across all native species, or 12 per species. My interpretation was the former, but now I'm not sure. If it's 12 per species, I could manage a breeding program as long as I can find homes for enough scrubs to stay under the limit. I have a feeling I could find enough homes for them out of state :P

I get the feeling that the guy answering the questions isn't as familiar with the regulations as I am. Between my interests in falconry and herps, I've gone over most of the chapters at least a dozen times.