(1) Existing law defines resident and migratory game birds, and lists western mourning doves and white-winged doves as migratory game birds. Existing law prohibits the taking, as defined, of any migratory game bird, without first procuring and having in possession of a state duck stamp, but exempts from that stamp requirement several specified migratory game bird species, including western mourning doves and white-winged doves. Existing law also provides that western mourning doves and white-winged doves are upland game birds, and prohibits the taking of upland game birds without first procuring an upland game bird stamp.

This bill would remove western mourning doves and white-winged doves from the game bird, migratory game bird, and upland game bird categories. The bill would instead prohibit any open season, as defined, for the western mourning doves and white-winged doves. The bill would make it unlawful for any person to take a western mourning dove or a white-winged dove. Because under existing law, it is a misdemeanor to violate the Fish and Game Code, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program by creating a new crime.

(2) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

(3) Existing law continuously appropriates money in the Fish and Game Preservation Fund to the Department of Fish and Game and the Fish and Game Commission to pay all necessary expenses incurred in carrying out the Fish and Game Code and to pay the compensation and expenses of the commissioners and employees of the commission.

By imposing new duties on the department relating to the taking of western mourning doves and white-winged doves, this bill would make an appropriation.