Committee advances bill to add California and Gambel’s quail to upland game bird definition

House Bill 57, which would add California quail and Gambel’s quail to Montana’s statutory definition of upland game birds, advanced from the House Fish and Wildlife Committee on a 13-7 roll call vote.

The bill’s sponsor, Representative Paul Fielder, told the committee the measure simply would “add two species of quail, California quail and Gambel’s quail, to the definition of upland game bird species.” He said the change would allow trainers and hunters to manage and use the birds under upland game rules.

The bill matters because it would change how the species are treated under state law and give the Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission authority to include them in season-setting and management. Supporters said the change would permit bird‑dog trainers to use the species for field work and would formalize management options. Opponents said the birds are non‑native to Montana and urged more research before changing their legal classification.

Proponents who testified in favor included Dave Heine, president…