Who may alter, counterfeit, or deface a marker?

The correct answer is that only a permit holder may alter, counterfeit, or deface a marker. This is because permit holders have received specific training and authorization that allows them to handle and manage markers appropriately, ensuring that any alterations made are in compliance with regulations and standards regarding wildlife management and conservation.

By restricting these actions to only those with a permit, the law aims to protect the integrity of the markers, which serve important functions in tracking and identifying wildlife or specific species within an area. Allowing only trained individuals to make changes ensures that there is accountability and that the markers remain accurate and reliable for those who use them for research and conservation efforts.

In contrast, allowing any person or state official to alter or deface a marker could lead to a lack of uniformity and potentially harmful misrepresentation of data, disrupting the ecological management system designed to support wildlife populations. The option stating that no one is allowed to alter, counterfeit, or deface a marker is not suitable as it doesn’t recognize the role of trained and regulated individuals who are permitted to do so under specific guidelines.