If you’re unable to access this application, check current outage notices or reach out for support.
Eligibility
Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements prior to applying:
- Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada (i.e. a landed immigrant)
- Must have successfully completed the BC Trapper Education course or an equivalent course that has been approved by the Director of Wildlife. Note: It is an offence to trap if you do not meet this requirement
- Approved courses include the following: B.C. - obtained since July 1, 1982; Quebec - obtained since July 1, 1988; Yukon, Alberta and Ontario - obtained since July 1, 1989
Overview
This application allows you to apply for or to renew a trapping licence in British Columbia. Read more about Trapping in B.C. including regulations and reporting requirements.
Costs
The cost includes GST, where applicable:
- 1 year licence fee is $40
- 5 year licence fee is $200
Fees are payable at the time of application. Applications will not be processed until the fee has been paid.
Fees can be paid online at the time of application, or at a FrontCounter BC location. See payment guidelines for more information.
The Habitat Conservation Trust Fund surcharge is included in the above fee(s).
Fees calculated on the electronic fish and wildlife application may not be the complete final fee. A permit clerk will contact you if late fees are owed or if other licence specific fees are outstanding.
A person who kills a furbearing animal under the authority of a licence to hunt wildlife is exempt from paying a royalty in relation to the pelt or skin of that animal, unless he intends to sell the pelt or skin. Fur royalty fees are variable depending on species.
Apply
Review and collect the information and documents required before you start an application.
Trapping licence information
- Applicant contact details
- Trapline number and region
- Indicate registered trapline/assistant on a registered trapline/private property trapping
- Attach a photocopy of BC Trapper Education Course Certificate (first time applicants only)
- If private property trapping, provide management unit and legal land description
- You must provide written property owner consent or proof of ownership in your application if private property trapping
Trapper harvest reports
- You will be required to submit trapper harvest reports through BC Hunting Online, by July 31 after each licence year
Fish and wildlife identification (FWID)
To submit reports for your trapping reporting you will be required to have a FWID as part of the trapping licence application:
- A FWID is obtained through BC Hunting Online
Potential additional requirements
- Trapline registration is required when registering a trapline. The registration of a trapline does not:
(a) give the holder of the trapline any proprietary rights to wildlife or
(b) restrict the rights of another person (i) to hunt, or (ii) to capture wildlife, if authorized by the regulations or a permit -
Trapline transfer is required when the rights to a registered trapline are transferred to a person or group of persons. Note: A person or group of persons shall pay a transfer fee of $50. Processing may take up to 50 days
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New park use permit - land use occupancy is required when operating in a park
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Notation of Interest for a Trapline Cabin Site (PDF, 100KB) is required when proposing (or requesting) a trapline cabin notation. See the Trapline Cabin Policy (PDF, 255KB) for more information
Register for BCeID to submit an application to FrontCounter BC
A BCeID allows you to save, reopen and check the status of your natural resource application:
- Basic BCeID can be used in a personal capacity
- Business BCeID is used when representing a legal entity
Submit an application
Once you have assembled the required documents for your application, apply online.
If you’re unable to access this application, check current outage notices or reach out for support.
Update your application
After you have submitted an application, you can amend or cancel it:
- If you applied with a BCeID, log in to manage your application including updating or cancelling it
- If you applied without a BCeID, log in to update a submitted application or cancel an application
After you apply
The target time frame for decision on your permit is 30 days.*
*Processing time may be considerably longer as there is a required consultation process.
Your application will not be processed until payment has been received in full.
Your application will go through the following process before any decision is made:
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Receiving the application
Your application will be reviewed to ensure that it is complete. Your payment and documents will be entered into the appropriate systems. When necessary, you will be contacted for more information.An application will not be accepted and processed until all required information as well as payment has been received.
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Decision making
A decision will be made on whether to issue a permit or not after a full review of your submission. -
Issuance of permit
If your application is approved, the permit will be issued and sent to you by FrontCounter BC. If your application is not approved, you will be notified.NOTE: If you applied with a BCeID, you can use it to log in to the Manage your Natural Resource Applications webpage, where you can download your licence or permit if one has been issued.
Application enquiries
Read more about application processing and how to check the status of your application.
Contact information
Find the FrontCounter BC office closest to you.
FrontCounter BC Toll Free
1-877-855-3222
1-877-855-3222