(1)    Issuance. The department shall issue a rehabilitation license to rehabilitate wild animals to any individual who is at least 18 years of age, who meets the qualifications under rules promulgated under sub. (2), and who files a proper application.

   (2)   Qualifications; rules. The department shall promulgate rules to establish the qualifications required to obtain a rehabilitation license, the types of activities authorized by a rehabilitation license and the standards, limitations, and requirements for rehabilitation licenses. The department may promulgate rules to establish standards for exempting an individual from any of these rules or from any provisions under this chapter.