HB 1157 -- OFFICIAL STATE GAME BIRD

SPONSOR:  Cooper (120)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Tourism by a vote of 12 to 0.

This bill designates the bobwhite quail as the official state
game bird.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2007, FY 2008, and
FY 2009.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bobwhite quail is found in
every Missouri county and making it the official state game bird
will bring it more recognition.  They hope that increased
recognition will encourage people to develop more habitats for
the quail which will increase its numbers.  Although quail is not
an endangered species, their numbers are dwindling.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Cooper (120); and
Quails Unlimited.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

OTHERS:  Others testifying on the bill say that quail are a
valuable game species in Missouri because they are insect
predators.  Bobwhite quail are not a nuisance animal.  Increasing
available quail habitats will increase habitats for other
animals.  The bobwhite quail population is declining from lack of
habitats, not from over-hunting.  Also, it's impossible to have
too many quail.

Others testifying on the bill was the Department of Conservation.

Alice Hurley, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated November 29, 2006 at 9:42 am