New hunting regulations are almost always met with mixed reactions. That seems to be the case with the recent passage of a new regulation in the state of California.

The state just passed a law prohibiting the use of dogs for hunting bear and bobcat. Historically hunters have been able to use dogs for a variety of hunting including these predators. Now those hunters will need to change their ways. It’s a frustrating time for those that have been doing something one way for years. Change is always difficult, but it is inevitable.

The good news for upland bird hunters is that the law will not affect them. Bird hunters of all kinds remain free to use dogs while hunting. This is great news because many upland bird hunters like those that pursue grouse, dove and pheasant use their dogs every time they head out to the field.

This season looks like it should be a strong one in California. The article above states that California had a great quail hatch and that also bodes well for the other birds in the state including pheasant and dove. When those seasons open this year you should expect to have a great season finding the birds and hopefully harvesting some as well.

Some may approve of the law just passed that prohibits dogs for use in bear and bobcat hunting. Others are always weary of any laws of this nature because there is always the threat of creep, which would potentially see more regulation on hunting with dogs for other game such as upland birds.

That is not likely since there is a strong tradition of hunting birds with dogs and it is also a big industry, which means tax dollars for the state agencies.

We’ll have to wait and see if something like that ever happens, but for now you can go out to the field and enjoy a great bird hunt California.