Training My Upland Bird Dog

October 7, 2009

Question: I am about to begin the challenging task of training my own upland bird dog. What are the rules about using live pigeons, including shooting them over the dogs when the time comes? Also, I would like to know the rules regarding the use of bobwhite or other quail species in the training program, including the use of quail recall pens on private or public land. (William K., Pomona)

Answer: As long as no wild birds are captured, injured or killed during the dog training, you may train your dogs to retrieve, point or flush game birds. You may also train for, or participate in, field events or similar events related to these activities at any time of year from sunrise to sunset as long as no wild birds are captured, injured or killed.

Bobwhite and coturnix quail, domestic pigeons and domestically reared game birds (pheasants [Phasianus colchicus], including all ring-necked pheasant races, chukar, Hungarian partridge and captive-reared mallard ducks) may only be released and/or taken for dog training or organizational field trials under the provisions of CCR Title 14, Section 677[1] through [50].

Dogs cannot be trained on or otherwise be allowed to pursue any birds that have special protection under California or federal law, including but not limited to fully protected birds (FGC Section 3511) and endangered, threatened or candidate species (FGC Section 670.5 and Code of Federal Regulations, Title 50, Section 17.11).

California hunting licenses are required for each person taking domestically reared game birds, and each person (except holders of junior hunting licenses) taking Hungarian partridge, ring-necked pheasant and chukar must possess a valid Upland Game Bird Stamp.

Anyone who plans to plant birds is required to notify the DFG office in the region where the birds will be released and/or taken at least three business days prior to the activity.

Be aware that there are a lot of strict regulations and requirements involved with this activity, so before getting started I suggest you thoroughly review the regulations (CCR Title 14, Section 677: Dog Training and Field Trials).