Montana committee hears debate on classifying California and Gambel’s quail as upland game birds

Summary

A Montana House bill would add California and Gambel’s quail to the state’s upland game bird list, a change proponents say would aid bird-dog trainers and opponents say risks spreading nonnative birds and disease; Fish, Wildlife & Parks provided informational testimony and urged commission review.

Representative Paul Fielder, a wildlife biologist and sponsor, told the Montana Fish and Game Committee that House Bill 57 would add California quail and Gambel’s quail to the statutory definition of upland game birds.

“I'm bringing this bill at the request of the Environmental Quality Council,” Representative Paul Fielder said, noting the change would appear on specified pages of the bill and that any new listing would not take effect until March 2026.

Proponents at the hearing said the quail are well-suited for training bird dogs and already occur in parts of Western Montana. Dave Heine, who described himself as operating a small farm north of Flathead Lake and participating in youth upland-bird programs, said California quail are “a really desirable bird for training all ages of pointing dogs.” Jerry Ruwer, a hunter appearing by phone, also supported the bill and said quail have been present in the state for years.

Opponents — including Montana Audubon and…

Montana committee hears debate on classifying California and Gambel’s quail as upland game birds

Summary

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