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Committee adopts exception allowing turkey baiting on properties managed for wild bobwhite quail
Summary
Senate Bill 345 would create a limited exception to the ban on baiting wild turkeys for properties permitted by the department and managed for wild bobwhite quail; the committee adopted the measure by voice vote after discussion of habitat management practices including prescribed burning and ribbon feeding.
Senate Bill 345 was adopted by the Senate Fish, Game and Forestry Committee after members heard that the bill would create a narrowly tailored exception to the general prohibition on baiting wild turkeys.
Brian explained the measure, saying the bill "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." He added that the property must be permitted by the department and that the department "must apply current best practices for managing wild bobwhite quail habitat and making a permanent determination."
Committee discussion included background from presenters that restoring wild bobwhite quail often requires a prescribed burning routine and year-round feeding in burned areas to sustain quail populations. The presenter described "ribbon feeding," the practice of placing feed through burned portions of property to support quail while habitat regenerates.
The committee moved and seconded a motion to adopt the bill; the motion carried by voice vote and the chair closed the item. No roll-call tally was recorded in the committee transcript provided.
