This section defines which birds are considered 'game birds' for hunting purposes. 'Game birds' are divided into two categories: Resident Game Birds and Migratory Game Birds. Resident Game Birds include various doves, quail, grouse, partridges, pheasants, wild turkeys, and ptarmigan. Migratory Game Birds include ducks, geese, coots, gallinules, jacksnipe, mourning doves, white-winged doves, and band-tailed pigeons. When the law refers to 'game birds,' it includes both resident and migratory types.

This law makes it illegal to use a powerboat, motor vehicle, or airplane to chase or direct a game bird towards someone else so that person can catch or hunt the bird.

This law makes it illegal to use any live mammal, except for a dog, or a fake mammal, as a cover or shield when trying to get close to or capture game birds.

This section makes it illegal to take, keep, or unnecessarily destroy the nests or eggs of any bird. There are exceptions, but only if allowed by other parts of this law or specific regulations.

This law makes it illegal to capture, keep, or harm birds of prey, as well as their nests or eggs, unless there is an exception specifically mentioned elsewhere in the code or its regulations.

In California, it's illegal to sell or buy any game bird or non-game bird, unless there's a specific exception in the law allowing the sale of those raised domestically.

This law makes it illegal to capture, buy, or sell any aigrette or egret, osprey, bird of paradise, goura, or numidi birds, or any parts of these birds.

This law makes it illegal to train dogs or conduct field trials with them using wild or domestic game birds during their closed season unless the commission gives special permission.

This law makes it illegal to capture or own certain protected bird species at any time, unless it's for scientific research or specific protection purposes. The Department of Fish and Wildlife can allow taking these birds for research or to protect livestock, but they must notify interested parties, who then have 30 days to comment. The law also specifies that imported protected birds may be possessed if authorized by a permit. The law outlines several specific bird species as fully protected, including the California condor and the golden eagle, among others.

This law makes it illegal to take or possess any migratory nongame birds that are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, including any parts of such birds. However, there are exceptions if you follow specific rules set by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior related to this federal act. This California law section will no longer be effective after January 20, 2025, and will be officially repealed on January 1, 2026.

This law makes it illegal to capture or have any migratory birds protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as well as any new migratory birds added to the act in the future, or any parts of those birds. This is effective until January 1, 2025. Exceptions are only allowed if rules set by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior permit it and if those rules do not conflict with this law.

This law gives the commission authority to create rules about how exotic game birds, which are not native to the area, can be released, taken, or possessed. Additionally, the commission can set rules for inspecting game birds that are brought into the state from elsewhere.