Question 1

How much does a hunting licence cost in BC?

Accepted Answer

The basic resident hunting licence is $32 ($25 licence fee plus $7 Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation surcharge). Seniors aged 65 and older and youth aged 10–17 pay $7. Big game species tags cost between $10 (deer) and $25 (elk, moose, bighorn sheep). CORE testing fees are $90 ($30 written exam, $30 practical exam, and $30 BCWF administration fee).

Question 2

How long does it take to get a hunting licence in BC?

Accepted Answer

Typically 1 to 2 weeks. The CORE hunter education course takes a weekend, followed by registering your graduate certificate on your Fish and Wildlife ID (FWID) at Service BC (1–3 business days), after which your licence is available instantly online.

Question 3

How old do you have to be to get a hunting licence in BC?

Accepted Answer

18 years old for a regular adult hunting licence. Youth aged 10 to 17 can obtain a Youth Hunting Licence ($7) and hunt while accompanied by a licensed adult supervisor. Children under 10 are not eligible to hunt in BC.

Question 4

How does a youth get a hunting licence?

Accepted Answer

A youth aged 10 to 17 can obtain a Youth Hunting Licence ($7) purchased by a parent or guardian who holds a valid BC hunting credential. Alternatively, youth aged 10 and older can complete the CORE course and exams themselves to earn their own hunting credential. When hunting with firearms, youth aged 12 to 17 can also apply for a minor's firearms licence. All youth must be accompanied by an adult holding a valid licence.

Question 5

Can I buy the licence online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Once your CORE hunter certification is linked to your Fish and Wildlife ID (FWID), you can purchase your basic hunting licence, species tags, and Limited Entry Hunting (LEH) applications online through the provincial WILD portal.

How to get a hunting licence in BC

The route at a glance

Complete CORE Hunter Education & Examinations

Register Hunting Credential on Your FWID

Purchase Basic Resident Hunting Licence

Species Licences & Limited Entry Hunting (LEH)

Complete CORE Hunter Education & Examinations

Register Hunting Credential on Your FWID

Purchase Basic Resident Hunting Licence

Species Licences & Limited Entry Hunting (LEH)

CORE Hunter Education Course Providers

BC Wildlife Federation

CORE Hunter Education Course

Silvercore Advanced Training Systems

CORE Hunter Education Course (In-Person & Online)

BC Firearms Academy

CORE Hunter Safety Course & Exams

Common questions

How much does a hunting licence cost in BC?

How long does it take to get a hunting licence in BC?

How old do you have to be to get a hunting licence in BC?

How does a youth get a hunting licence?

Can I buy the licence online?

Official application portals & fee schedules

Hunting Licences & Regulations in BC

BC Wildlife Federation CORE Program

RCMP Canadian Firearms Program