Hi Hatchet,
Something is a little off on the verbiage and not sure if the lady that is talking to you is confused or being misinformed or what. I hope that I can help you with the info below.
Game Wardens work for Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The animals that DNR is responsible for are wildlife. Gliders are not considered wildlife. DNR also licenses for Fishing and Hunting licenses, bird licensing, outdoor licenses, sportsman, and wildlife management licensing and permits. None of the licenses are related to sugar gliders.
The Ga Dept of Agriculture is responsible for the licensing and "management" of
breeders in GA in addition to maintaining and enforcing regulatory compliance and attending to and addressing matters of investigation of cruelty, neglect, and overall misuse and noncompliance with animals and our Animal Protect act codes.
The GA law states that it is illegal to own a sugar glider unless you have proof that the glider was produced in a USDA facility. This is true. Rachel is also correct in that there has yet to be a case (in our knowledge) where the DoA for GA has been so aggressive to remove/confiscate a glider based on this part of the law. The challenging and confusing part about GA law is the imposition of USDA awareness and documentation. If I can help you with more information on this, please feel free to reach out to me.
With all of that said - I want you to retain and use the following:
1) Game wardens would not confiscate your gliders unless under the direction or in concert with a DoA or USDA affiliate.
2) Any question of compliance would be from a local Dept of Agriculture associate in GA or a USDA (APHIS) associate.
3) Contact your local Dept of Ag in GA and also the regional APHIS USDA office and ask the question - "If I choose to adopt a sugar glider from a person that may or may not have purchased their gliders from a USDA facility - but I do NOT have proof either way, what happens?" Or just flat out - "What happens if I adopt a glider from CL and have no proof of USDA licensed origin?" And please also follow up either question with "Have you, do you, or will you confiscate sugar gliders? If so, under what terms do you do so?"
4) ALWAYS get your information from the source. DO NOT trust others to interpret a very convoluted law for you - even the
breeder. Unfortunately, the rules in GA are clear as mud. Be your gliders advocate and go to the source.
I hope that helps! It
sounds like you really love gliders and just want to help out. It's unfortunate that something like this is getting in the way of a good deed. I certainly hope it works out in the end and do keep us updated!