Limited Entry Hunting (LEH)
Last updated on September 19, 2024
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View the 2024-25 LEH Synopsis (PDF, 9.4MB)
About Limited Entry Hunting
There are two types of hunting seasons available to licensed hunters in British Columbia: general open seasons (GOS) and limited entry hunting (LEH). General open seasons are open to all licensed hunters, and harvest is managed through season length, restrictions on class of animal and bag limits.
Limited entry hunting gives wildlife managers the ability to more closely control the number of hunters that can hunt a species, or class of species, in a specific area and during a specific time, and is generally in place when additional control, beyond what is feasible through a GOS, is required. The province has substantial hunting opportunities through both GOS and LEH, and the use of each system provides a balance of hunting opportunities in the best interest of the public and the resource.
LEH draws are random. The previous year's odds are published beside each hunt to give an indication of the likelihood of a successful application, but this is not a guarantee of success.
Successful applicants have their chances reduced in subsequent draws in order to improve the chances of those who have been unsuccessful.
Important: For shared hunts only, hunters are required to carry a paper Record of Harvest form while hunting. The Harvest Report form is on the bottom part of the shared limited entry hunting authorization. Your shared limited entry hunting authorization is available online on your Fish and Wildlife profile. You can request a copy of your limited entry hunting authorization, which contains your Harvest Report form, at a Service BC or FrontCounter BC Office.
All hunters 16 years of age and older are required to carry government picture ID, know their Fish and Wildlife ID number and carry all of their species licences purchased for the current licence year, including both cancelled and uncancelled species licences, while hunting.
For further details about LEH in British Columbia:
- How Limited Entry Hunting Works (PDF, 127KB)
- Important information about LEH online applications
- Applying for Group/Shared hunts
- If you receive an LEH authorization, please click here to review the appropriate Zone Map
Refunds
It is important to review LEH applications to ensure they are correct, prior to completing your purchase. LEH applications are non-refundable and non-transferable. Refunds will not be issued if you applied for the wrong LEH hunts. If you have submitted your LEH application, and you would like to change the hunts you have applied for, you may void your application and re-apply for the same species. You will be required to pay for the new application. This option is only available if the application period is still open.