Who counts as a resident?
- Citizens and permanent residents: your only or primary home is in BC, and you were physically in BC for most of each of 6 calendar months out of the last 12.
- Everyone else (work or study permits): you must have been in BC for most of each of the last 12 calendar months.
- Proof-of-residency documents must be dated at least six months before you apply.
Residency rules change and have exceptions (military, RCMP, students, diplomats). Confirm with the provincial or territorial licensing office before buying a resident licence. Applying for one you aren't entitled to is an offence.
Courses you need
- CORE (Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Education) is BC's hunter education course and exam, run by approved instructors.
- Gun hunters also need a PAL: pass the federal Canadian Firearms Safety Course, then apply to the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program. Processing takes weeks. Bow hunters don't need one.
Buying your licence
- Create a Fish and Wildlife ID and buy your licence and species tags in the WILD system at gov.bc.ca. Log in with a BC Services Card or BCeID.
- Big-game draws are called Limited Entry Hunting (LEH). Applications close in late May.
Good to know in British Columbia
- Not a resident yet? Citizens and permanent residents can buy a non-resident licence for small game. Big game usually requires a licensed guide.
- BC also offers an Initiation Hunting Licence, so you can try hunting under a mentor's supervision.
- Seasons and bag limits by zone: British Columbia hunting regulations.
- The full step-by-step path: Hunting in Canada: a newcomer's guide.
How TrueNorthHunter helps
- Your zone, by GPS: see which hunting zone you're in, even offline.
- Seasons and rules for that zone, taken from the official regulations.
- Public land layers such as Crown land, parks and closures, plus community sightings and daily hunting forecasts.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to live in British Columbia before I can hunt as a resident?
Citizens and permanent residents: your only or primary home is in BC, and you were physically in BC for most of each of 6 calendar months out of the last 12.
Can I hunt before I qualify as a resident?
Often, yes, on a non-resident licence. It costs more and may be limited to small game or require a licensed guide. Check the province or territory's non-resident rules.