Yeah, that's what I was getting at. I don't really think it's a good idea regardless.
I mean, if the DNR in Wisconsin even hears a rumor that you're doing this you WILL get a little bit of time in the county pen, regardless of your intentions. I would say you're right on releasing captive specimens as well, even if they are wild caught. I called the local office a few years ago because we have a boatload of eastern grey treefrogs that climb the siding on my house to feed on bugs under the halogen light and I wanted to capture a few to raise......she advised me that it is in fact legal to do so but to be very cautious of what a warden would do if he/she found out.....and eastern grey treefrogs aren't even threatened or declining in our state.
Endangered species? Multiple wardens would be knocking down your door on a raid. Not even kidding. Not worth it lol.
They are pretty neat little guys though....but males are kind of a no-no....their call is SUPER LOUD. I decided against it after a while.