(a) The board shall have the power to appoint deputy conservation rangers. No deputy conservation rangers may be appointed without actual duties relating to the protection of natural resources.

(b) Deputy conservation rangers shall have all or part of the powers and duties of conservation rangers, as assigned by the board. Deputy conservation rangers who are not employees of the department shall receive no compensation for their services. The board is authorized to appoint such number of deputy conservation rangers as may be necessary to carry out the duties assigned to them.

(c) Each deputy conservation ranger who is not an employee of the department shall personally secure a bond of not less than $5,000.00 from a bonding or surety company licensed to transact business in the State of Georgia conditioned upon the faithful performance of his duties, payable to the department.

(d) The board shall have the power to adopt rules and regulations concerning qualifications, appointments, badge, oath of office, and other matters pertaining to deputy conservation rangers.