Birds and mammals: nongame birds.

Assembly Member Jeff Gonzalez's wildlife management legislation adds mute swans to California's list of nongame birds that may be taken or possessed without special permits under certain circumstances, placing them in the same regulatory category as English sparrows and European starlings.

The measure maintains existing provisions that exempt landowners, lessees, and their authorized agents from hunting license requirements when taking listed nongame birds on their property. All other individuals seeking to take mute swans must obtain a hunting license in accordance with state law. The bill preserves current regulatory frameworks while expanding their application to include this additional species.

This targeted amendment to the Fish and Game Code aligns management approaches for mute swans with established protocols for other nongame birds, utilizing existing enforcement mechanisms and administrative structures. Wildlife management agencies will need to update their materials and guidance to incorporate mute swans into the regulatory framework for nongame species.