Committee approves exception to turkey-baiting ban for properties managing wild bobwhite quail

The Senate Fish, Game and Forestry committee voted to adopt Senate Bill 345, which creates an exception to the general prohibition on baiting wild turkeys for certain properties actively managed for the restoration and sustainability of wild bobwhite quail.

Brian, a committee staff presenter, described the bill: "Senate bill 345 provides for an exception to the general prohibition against baiting wild turkeys for persons who are at least 200 yards from a baited area located wholly within a property that is actively managed for the restoration and sustainability of wild bobwhite quail. The property must be permitted by the department, which must apply current best practices for managing wild bobwhite quail habitat and making a permanent determination." He explained that many quail restoration properties rely on prescribed burning on a two-year rotation, and that "ribbon feeding" is often used to support quail after burns because burned areas temporarily remove food resources.

Supporters argued the measure balances quail restoration needs with hunting regulations. The bill record lists Sen. Khamsin and the committee chair (self-identified as a co-sponsor) as sponsors; the chair introduced the measure and invited Brian to explain details. After questions and discussion about habitat management practices, a member moved to adopt the bill, a second was recorded, and the committee approved the motion by voice vote.

The transcript records committee discussion of the ecological rationale — prescribed burning and the subsequent need to feed early-successional birds — but does not include a roll-call or numerical vote tally. The bill, as described to the committee, would require Department of Natural Resources permitting and adherence to best practices for managing quail habitat before the baiting exception could apply.