California Code of Regulations
Title 14 - Natural Resources
Division 1 - Fish and Game Commission-Department of Fish and Game
Subdivision 3 - General Regulations
Chapter 3 - Miscellaneous
Section 677 - Dog Training and Field Trials

Universal Citation: 14 CA Code of Regs 677

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 38, September 20, 2024

(a) Dog Training When No Wild Birds Are Captured, Injured, or Killed. Notwithstanding Section 265 of these regulations, a person may train dogs to retrieve, or to point or flush game birds, or may train for or participate in field trails or similar events related to these activities, at any time of year from sunrise to sunset if no wild birds are captured, injured, or killed. Domestically reared birds may be released and taken for dog training or field trials only as provided in Section 677(b). Dogs shall not 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 (Section 3511 of the Fish and Game Code) and endangered, threatened or candidate species (Section 670.5 of these regulations and Code of Federal Regulations, Title 50, Section 17.11).

(b) Release and Take of Birds. Notwithstanding Section 671.6 of these regulations, bobwhite and coturnix quail, domestic pigeons, and the following domestically reared game birds may be released and/or taken during dog training or organizational field trials in accordance with subsections (b)(1) through (b)(5) of this section, general resident game bird regulations, or licensed game bird club regulations: pheasants (Phasianus colchicus), including all ring-necked pheasant races, chukar, Hungarian partridge and captive-reared mallard ducks.

(1) Hunting License Required. Each person taking domestically reared game birds must possess a valid California hunting license. In addition, each person, except holders of junior hunting licenses, taking Hungarian partridge, ring-necked pheasant, and chukar must possess a valid Upland Game Bird Stamp.

(2) Prior Notification Required. Persons releasing and/or taking game birds in accordance with this section during organized field trials or hunt tests shall provide the Department's regional office in the region where the birds will be released and/or taken the following information at least three business days prior to the activity. This notification shall be in letter form, by fax, or by internet. The information required includes:
(A) The name, address, and telephone number of the person providing the information.

(B) The location that birds will be released and/or taken.

(C) The approximate number of each species of bird that will be released and/or taken.

(D) The approximate number of persons who will be involved in the release and/or take.

(E) The date and time that birds will be released and/or taken.

For any event where more than one person may be taking birds, only a single notification is required.

(3) Restrictions On Daily Take.
(A) Domestically reared game birds may be taken only on the day they are released, except when taken pursuant to general resident game bird regulations.

(B) Bobwhite quail and coturnix quail released for dog training or field trial purposes may be taken on any day.

(4) Marking of Birds.
(A) Prior to Release. If the Department determines that there is a need to distinguish domestically reared game birds used for dog training or field trials from other game birds at a particular location or event, the Regional Manager may require that some or all species of domestically reared game birds used for dog training or field trials be marked with streamers, coloring, or other conspicuous material prior to their release.

(B) Carcass. The carcass of each pheasant and chukar shall be tagged with a seal as provided by Section 3206 of the Fish and Game Code. The carcasses of bobwhite quail and coturnix quail need not be tagged. While in the field, all birds must be in a condition that the species can be identified.

(5) Inspection of Birds. The department may inspect all birds prior to their release and no birds may be released if the department determines that such releases may have significant potential to transmit diseases to wild bird populations.

1. New section filed 4-15-68; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 68, No. 16).
2. Amendment filed 7-11-73; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 73, No. 28).
3. Amendment of subsection (c)(1) filed 6-11-79; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 79, No. 24).
4. Amendment of NOTE filed 7-16-81; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 81, No. 29).
5. Editorial correction of NOTE filed 9-20-85; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 85, No. 38).
6. Change without regulatory effect amending NOTE filed 8-21-2003 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2003, No. 34).
7. Amendment of section heading, section and NOTE filed 6-15-2004; operative 7-15-2004 (Register 2004, No. 25).
8. Change without regulatory effect amending NOTE filed 8-8-2019 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2019, No. 32).

Note: Authority cited: Sections 200, 203, 265, 3508 and 3516, Fish and Game Code. Reference: Sections 203, 2080, 3500, 3502, 3508, 3511, 3513, 3514, 3515 and 3516, Fish and Game Code.

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