Implement youth-only general open season for grouse

The public is invited to comment on the proposed hunting regulation described below.

Status: Proposed

Region: Region 3, Thompson

Management unit (MU): 3-12 to 3-20, 3-26 to 3-46

Regulation type: Hunting

Species: Grouse

Closing date: February 13, 2026 at 4:30 pm PT

Current regulation:

There is currently no youth only grouse season in the Thompson Region.

Proposed regulation:

Implement youth only grouse season in Management Units 3-12 to 3-20, 3-26 to 3-46 from September 1 to September 9. 

Rationale:

Harvest opportunities for youth (under 18 years of age) are proposed to align with existing youth seasons for deer in Region 3 and youth grouse seasons in other parts of the province. A youth season for grouse is already in place in neighbouring Region 8 and is also being proposed in neighbouring Region 5. This season is not expected to significantly impact grouse populations.

Grouse hunting is often a youth hunter’s first experience harvesting wildlife.  A positive first experience, including successful harvest, builds youth hunters’ confidence, interest in sustainable management and supports lifelong passion for outdoor recreation. 

The proposed hunting season is intended to support youth hunter recruitment, provide a unique hunting opportunity in which young hunters have a high likelihood of successful harvest and allow youth hunters to participate in the hunt prior to the school year starting. 

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