Hunting Licences
Last updated on October 30, 2023Hunting licences are available to those who meet the following general requirements, in addition to the residency-specific requirements below:
- 10 years of age or older
- Hold a valid FWID
- Not suspended or prohibited from holding a licence under the Wildlife Act
Types of hunting licences
There are 4 types of hunting licences available in B.C.:
- B.C. Resident Hunting Licence
- Non-Resident/Non-Resident Alien Hunting Licence
- Initiation Hunting Licence
- Youth Hunting Licence
B.C. Resident Hunting Licence
B.C Resident Hunting Licence is available to those who meet the following requirements:
- have a B.C. Residency Credential
- have a hunting credential
Seniors (65 years of age or older) are eligible for a B.C. Resident Hunting Licence at a reduced cost.
Non-Resident Hunting Licence
Non-residents are required to hold a hunting licence to hunt in British Columbia. For more information, visit Non-Resident Hunting.
All non-residents who wish to hunt upland game birds must also hold an Upland Game Bird Licence. For more information see Species licences.
The following licences are available to non-residents:
Unrestricted Non-resident Licence
Available to a person who:
- Has a non-resident credential; and
- Has successfully completed hunter safety training
This type of licence allows you to hunt small game unaccompanied. You must be accompanied by a guide outfitter, assistant guide or a holder of a permit to accompany when hunting big game.
Unrestricted Non-resident Alien Licence
Available to a person who:
- Has a non-resident alien credential; and
- Has successfully completed hunter safety training
This type of licence allows you to hunt small game unaccompanied. You must be accompanied by a guide outfitter, assistant guide or a holder of a permit to accompany when hunting big game.
Restricted Non-resident Licence
Available to a person who:
- Has a non-resident credential; and
- Has not proven successful completion of hunter safety training.
This type of licence requires you to be accompanied by a guide outfitter, assistant guide or a holder of a permit to accompany when hunting both small and big game.
Restricted Non-resident Alien Licence
Available to a person who:
- Has a non-resident alien credential; and
- Has not proven successful completion of hunter safety training.
This type of licence requires you to be accompanied by a guide outfitter, assistant guide or a holder of a permit to accompany when hunting both small and big game.
Purchasing a hunting licence and fees
Hunting licences can be purchased:
- Online through WILD
- In person at:
- Through your guide outfitter or a resident hunter who holds a permit to accompany you to hunt
Conditions of a hunting licence: In addition to all general licence conditions, if hunting deer in Region 4, please view your issued electronic hunting licences for licence conditions related to Chronic Wasting Disease. Directions for submission of white tailed deer or mule deer for testing can be found on the Chronic Wasting Disease Testing webpage.
Licence fees
Prices listed below show the licence fee and the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF) surcharge. Prices do not include 5% GST.
B.C. Resident Hunting Licence fees
| Licence type | Fee | HCTF Surcharge |
|---|---|---|
| B.C. resident hunting licence | $25 | $7 |
| B.C. resident hunting licence, 65 years of age or older | $6 | $1 |
| B.C. resident youth licence | $6 | $1 |
| B.C. resident initiation licence | $15 | $4 |
| Gulf Islands special hunting area licence | $2 | $0 |
| Fraser Valley special hunting area licence | $8 | $2 |
Non-Resident Hunting Licence fees
| Licence | Fee | HCTF Surcharge |
|---|---|---|
| Restricted Non-Resident licence | $53 | $22 |
| Unrestricted Non-Resident licence | $53 | $22 |
| Restricted Non-Resident Alien licence | $126 | $54 |
| Unrestricted Non-Resident Alien licence | $126 | $54 |
| Non-resident/non-residen alien youth licence | $6 | $1 |
| Gulf Islands special hunting area licence | $2 | $0 |
| Fraser Valley special area licence | $8 | $2 |
Refunds
It is important to review licences to ensure they are correct, prior to completing your purchase. With few exceptions, licences are non-refundable and non-transferable.
For more information on refunds, view the Refund of Fees policy (PDF, 1.13MB).
Refund requests must be received in writing and the licences requested for a refund must be forwarded for review to the Fish and Wildlife Branch at FishandWildlife@gov.bc.ca with the subject line “Refund Request”.
Refunds will not be issued if you bought a licence and did not use it, or you bought the wrong licence.
Access WILD
Firearms fall under the Criminal Code of Canada and are therefore regulated by the Federal Government. Direct all inquiries related to Canadian firearms regulations to: