MT HB57

Adds California quail and Gambel's quail to the statutory definition of "upland game birds" in Montana Code Annotated sections 87-2-101 and 87-6-101

Classifying these quail species as upland game birds would allow Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to establish regulated hunting seasons for them

Current upland game birds in Montana include sharp-tailed grouse, blue grouse, spruce grouse, prairie chicken, sage grouse, ruffed grouse, ring-necked pheasant, Hungarian partridge, ptarmigan, wild turkey, and chukar partridge

Introduced by Representative P. Fielder at the request of the Environmental Quality Council

Effective date is March 1, 2026