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WILD credentials

Last updated on October 30, 2023

Hunting and residency credentials are used in the WILD system to verify you are qualified to hunt in British Columbia and determine the type of licences you may qualify for and associated fees. Credentials are displayed on your Fish and Wildlife ID (FWID) profile.

On this page:

Getting a hunting credential

A hunting credential on your FWID profile shows you have successfully completed hunter safety training. Hunting credentials are available to both residents and non-residents and determines the type of licences you may qualify for.

To obtain a hunting credential, you can apply:

You will be required to provide a document showing proof of hunter safety training.

Within three business days of applying online, you will receive email confirmation of your application directing you to log into WILD to check your FWID profile for updates.

  • Click on Profile Options to view the status of your transaction.
  • If your credential application is approved, your credential will show as “Active”.

Credential applications made in person, if approved, will be active immediately.

First Nations hunters

For the purpose of entering the Limited Entry Hunting (LEH) draw, First Nations persons residing in B.C. who are eligible to be registered under the Indian Act (Canada) can be granted a Licence Exemption WA S.11(9) credential. A B.C. resident credential in addition to either a hunting credential or a Licence Exemption WA S.11(9) credential is required to submit an LEH application.

To obtain an exemption credential, you can apply:

Proof of hunter safety training

Accepted proof of hunter safety training includes:

Documents issued in a language other than English or French must be submitted along with a notarized translated version of the document.

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Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Education (CORE)

The Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Education (CORE) program is designed for individuals wishing to obtain their first B.C. resident hunting licence. It is offered through a partnership agreement with the Provincial Government and the B.C. Wildlife Federation (BCWF).

The program is valuable for anyone interested in outdoor recreation, wildlife and firearms safety. The successful completion of the program is required for B.C. residents age 10 or older who wish to obtain a B.C. Fish & Wildlife ID and hunting credentials, both of which are required to get a B.C resident hunting licence.

The course requires about 21 hours of self-study and firearm handling practice based upon the CORE manual.

The BCWF is responsible for CORE program administration, the keeping of graduate records and the public availability of the CORE examinations through a provincial network of certified CORE examiners.

 

Getting a B.C. resident credential

Resident hunters are required to prove they are a resident of British Columbia every 3 years. This ensures only eligible hunters can access hunting licences, permits and authorizations available to B.C. residents only.

For the definition of a B.C. resident under the Wildlife Act, see B.C. Resident Hunting.

You can obtain or update your B.C. resident credential:

The residency expiry date will be displayed on you FWID profile. If your residency credential has not yet expired, but will within six months, you can update your residency by logging into your online Fish and Wildlife profile, and selecting “Update Residency”.

For step by step instructions, read:

Proof of B.C. residency

Supporting documentation is required to obtain a B.C. resident credential. If you are obtaining a B.C. resident credential for the first time, your document will need to have an issue date at least six months prior to the date of the application to prove you meet the residency requirements.  If you are renewing your B.C. resident credential, there is no restriction on the issue date. The following documentation is accepted as proof of B.C. residency:

If the issue date on the above documentation is within the six months preceding the date of the application, one of the following supplemental documents should be provided for consideration. The documentation must include contact information to allow for reference checking:

  • ICBC vehicle insurance
  • A legal tenancy agreement
  • A letter from a school, confirming attendance in person

Persons who are eligible to be registered under the Indian Act (Canada) are not required to establish residency six months preceding the date of application.

Hunters under 18 years of age can use documentation from a parent or legal guardian to prove residency, however youth 16 to 18 years of age will be required to show some form of photo identification such as Student ID card to verify their profile.

Residency exemption

In some cases, a hunter may not be required to be a B.C. resident to obtain a B.C. resident credential. This applies to any hunter who is:

  • Currently serving full-time in the Canadian military and who has made his or her permanent residence in B.C. for 30 consecutive days prior to applying for B.C. resident hunting credentials. Appropriate military identification and posting documentation is required.

OR

  • A Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, who leaves British Columbia to attend a recognized educational institution, and who returns to British Columbia on completion of studies at the institution.

OR

  • Under 18 years of age, has resided with a parent or guardian in another province and returns to B.C. to reside with another parent or guardian who is a resident.

Getting a non-resident credential

A non-resident or non-resident alien credential is required when you register for your FWID as a hunter from outside B.C. The type of residency credential determines what type of licence you may qualify for and associated fees.

For the definition of a non-resident and non-resident alien under the Wildlife Act, see Non-Resident Hunting.

Non-resident credential

Supporting documentation accepted to obtain a non-resident credential include:

  • Birth certificate issued by a province or territory of Canada
  • Canadian passport
  • Canadian citizenship certificate
  • Canadian citizenship card
  • Canadian Permanent Resident card
  • Record of Landing issued by the Government of Canada

The following documentation (issued by the government of a province or territory of Canada) is accepted if the issue date is at least twelve months prior to the date of the application:

  • Driver’s licence
  • A picture ID
  • A health care card

Non-resident alien credential

Supporting documentation accepted to obtain a non-resident alien credential include:

  • Driver’s licence issued by a Canadian or international jurisdiction
  • B.C. Services Card
  • B.C. Driver’s Licence and B.C. Services Card combination card
  • Birth Certificate
  • Passport
  • Permanent Resident card
  • Canadian citizenship card or Canadian citizenship certificate issued after February 2012
  • Student ID containing full legal name
  • Employee ID containing full legal name
  • Photo ID card issued by the government of a province or territory of Canada, or the government of an international jurisdiction
  • Military ID issued by the government of Canada
  • Possession and Acquisition Licence
  • Secure Certificate of Indian Status card
  • Status Card
  • Nexus Card
Firearms

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: