Equipment, merchandise, wildlife, or records seized in the enforcement of this chapter shall be held by an officer or agent of the fish and game department pending disposition of court proceedings. If the defendant is found guilty such material shall be forfeited to the state for destruction or disposition as the executive director deems appropriate; provided, however, that prior to forfeiture, the executive director may direct the transfer of wildlife so seized to a qualified zoological, educational or scientific institution for safekeeping. The costs of such transfer shall be assessed to the defendant if he is convicted. The executive director is authorized to promulgate rules to implement this section.