Question:
I have a Brittany pup that is about 16 months old. I would like to continue to train him until it starts to get too hot. I want to buy chukars and pheasants from a breeder, then release and take them on private property. What steps do I need to do to stay legal?

Answer:
There is no longer a dog training permit requirement. Dog training is authorized so long as no wild birds are captured, injured or killed (California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 677). Since you won't be doing this as part of an organized field trial or hunt test, you are not required to notify the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) or mark the birds. However, your dog would only be allowed to take birds on the day they are released and you are required to buy the birds from a licensed, domesticated game breeder. To avoid any confusion, you should retain your receipts or other paperwork showing you purchased the birds from a domestic game breeder.