(1) The department will pay authorized pheasant release projects for live birds released in compliance with all the provisions of this subchapter at a rate equivalent to the average cost of 10 week old pheasants being raised and offered for sale to the public by NPIP certified hatcheries or game bird growers in Montana. The price will be determined by surveying hatcheries and growers in March of each year. If circumstances prevent the department from timely release of birds contracted for release at 10 weeks of age, the department will cover the additional expenses incurred by the hatchery or grower on behalf of the department.