Running dogs on wild birds question

[Spencer]

Hey all.  Heading to Winthrop in a couple weeks and bringing the dogs.  I'd love to get my dogs out and run them while scouting for this fall.  I'm pretty sure there are regulations for when you can work dogs on wild birds so as not to disrupt the clutches of new birds.  Anyone up on when it is OK to get them back out?

[bobcat]

You can take your dogs for a walk on most public land anytime you want.

The exception would the the WDFW Wildlife Areas, which I believe you have to wait until August 1st.

[Spencer]

Thanks,
That's kind of what I was thinking.  I'll check their website and see if I can find the specifics.  Appreciate the reply

[Goldeneye]

It does look like Aug 1 is your date unless your on some specific wildlife areas that allow year around training.  It also mentions you need a small game license to train on wild birds.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/help/questions/91/When+and+how+can+I+train+my+upland+bird+hunting+dogs

[Stilly bay]

  goldeneye beat me to it

[Goldeneye]

Sorry about that Stilly.  Didn't mean to steal your thunder...    

Speaking of birds.  The grouse have chicks on the ground right now.  Need to keep fido under control for the time being...

[Spencer]

Thanks guys, that about answers all my questions.  Will hold off for a bit.

[wildweeds]

There's more reasons to consider holding off, Cheat grass being number 1 and rattlesnakes being number 2....... JMO

Thanks guys, that about answers all my questions.  Will hold off for a bit.

[Stilly bay]

There's more reasons to consider holding off, Cheat grass being number 1 and rattlesnakes being number 2....... JMO

not sure which one is worse.
one cheat grass seed is enough to really fugg sum chib up.

[bobcat]

I guess I'm not sure what is considered "training" on wild birds. If you're just out for a walk with your dog, there's no rule against that. If you're questioned, you just don't say you're training your dog on wild birds.   

[jetjockey]

I guess I'm not sure what is considered "training" on wild birds. If you're just out for a walk with your dog, there's no rule against that. If you're questioned, you just don't say you're training your dog on wild birds.   

It can be a grey area.  If your running a dog in fields known to have wild birds, your probably pushing it.  The regs are there so guys don't run their dogs during nesting season and on chicks or young birds.  Most state regs are pretty similar from state to state.  In SD, guys will start to train handle into dogs in cow pastures that are knocked down and obviously don't hold wild birds before the AUg first.  But, a trainer better not get on a horse and run a dog in areas know to hold birds prior to Aug 1st.  The DFG officers aren't stupid.  They know when your training on wild birds, not training on wild birds, and when your pushing it.  Best not to push it.