Complete British Columbia Hunting Guide 2025-2026: Seasons, Tags, LEH Draws & Management Units
Welcome to your complete guide for the upcoming game calendar in beautiful British Columbia! Whether you’re a longtime resident or visiting from out of province, this comprehensive overview covers everything you need to know about the 2025-2026 schedule. We’ll walk through permit requirements, tag rules, wildlife schedules, and important deadlines to help you plan your outdoor adventures successfully.
The 2024-2026 regulations remain effective through June 30, 2026, giving you plenty of time to explore BC’s diverse terrain and abundant wildlife opportunities. From the coastal regions to the Rocky Mountain foothills, this province offers some of Canada’s most rewarding outdoor experiences.
📅 Quick Reference Points
- Whitetail & Mule Deer: Archery opens September 1, rifle opportunities begin October 1
- Elk: Bow season starts September 1, with Limited Entry draws for antlered bulls
- Moose: General Open Seasons vary by management unit, special LEH draws available
- Black Bear: Spring and fall opportunities throughout most regions
- Turkey: Spring gobbler season typically runs April-May, fall opportunities vary
- Waterfowl: Federal and provincial coordination required, seasons from September-January
- Small Game: Grouse, rabbit, and upland birds with varied schedules by species
- Furbearers: Extended seasons for coyote, lynx, and other species
- Youth Opportunities: Special early seasons and extended dates for hunters under 18
Big Game Schedules
| Species | Archery Season | Rifle/Muzzleloader | License Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whitetail Deer | Sep 1 – Oct 15 | Oct 1 – Dec 7 | Most MUs: OTC | Antlerless opportunities vary |
| Mule Deer | Sep 1 – Oct 15 | Oct 1 – Dec 7 | Most MUs: OTC | Buck restrictions in some areas |
| Elk | Sep 1 – Oct 31 | Oct 15 – Dec 7 | OTC archery/LEH rifle | Bull-only areas require draws |
| Moose | Varies by MU | Varies by MU | LEH/GOS mixed | Compulsory inspection required |
| Black Bear | Apr 1 – Jun 15 | Apr 1 – Jun 15 | OTC | Fall season: Aug 1 – Nov 30 |
| Mountain Goat | Aug 15 – Nov 30 | Aug 15 – Nov 30 | LEH only | Limited zones available |
| Bighorn Sheep | Aug 15 – Nov 30 | Aug 15 – Nov 30 | LEH only | Premium draw opportunities |
OTC = Over the Counter, LEH = Limited Entry Hunt, GOS = General Open Season, MU = Management Unit
Turkey Schedules
| Season Type | Dates | Weapon Options | Bag Limit | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Gobbler | Apr 15 – May 31 | Archery, shotgun | 1 bearded bird | Dawn to 12:00 PM only |
| Fall Either-Sex | Sep 15 – Oct 31 | Archery, shotgun | 1 bird | Limited management units |
| Youth Spring | Apr 8 – Apr 14 | Archery, shotgun | 1 bearded bird | Must be accompanied |
Furbearer Season Dates
| Species | Open Season | License Required | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote | Year-round | Basic hunting license | No closed season |
| Lynx | Dec 1 – Feb 28 | Trapping license | Quota areas apply |
| Bobcat | Dec 1 – Feb 28 | Trapping license | Limited regions |
| Pine Marten | Nov 1 – Feb 28 | Trapping license | Export permits required |
| Fisher | Dec 1 – Jan 31 | Trapping license | Select management units |
| Wolf | Sep 1 – Jun 30 | Basic hunting license | Most regions open |
Small Game Dates
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Grouse | Sep 1 – Nov 30 | 5 | 15 |
| Ruffed Grouse | Sep 1 – Nov 30 | 5 | 15 |
| Ptarmigan | Sep 1 – Nov 30 | 5 | 15 |
| Snowshoe Hare | Sep 1 – Feb 28 | 5 | 15 |
| Ground Squirrel | May 1 – Sep 30 | No limit | No limit |
Complete Waterfowl Seasons
| Species | Early Season | Regular Season | Late Season | Daily Bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mallards | Sep 8 – Sep 16 | Oct 11 – Jan 25 | – | 6 |
| Canada Geese | Sep 8 – Sep 16 | Oct 6 – Nov 25 | Dec 15 – Jan 6 | 5 |
| Snow Geese | – | Oct 6 – Jan 1 | Feb 23 – Mar 10 | 20 |
| Teal | Sep 6 – Sep 16 | Oct 11 – Jan 25 | – | 6 |
| Sea Ducks | Oct 11 – Jan 25 | – | – | 6 |
Note: Federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit ($17) required in addition to provincial license
Other Available Game
| Species | Season | Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandhill Crane | Sep 1 – Oct 31 | Special permit | Select areas only |
| Dove | Sep 1 – Sep 30 | Basic license | Mourning dove only |
| Crow | Year-round | Basic license | No bag limit |
| Bullfrog | Jul 15 – Oct 15 | Basic license | 15 daily limit |
Zones Active for Hunting
British Columbia divides wildlife management into 225 individual Management Units (MUs) across nine administrative regions. Each unit has specific regulations, access rules, and opportunities that may differ significantly from neighboring areas.
The major regions include:
- Vancouver Island (Region 1): Coastal forest species, Roosevelt elk
- Lower Mainland (Region 2): Urban interface zones, special area permits
- Thompson-Nicola (Region 3): Semi-arid grasslands, diverse big game
- Kootenay (Region 4): Mountain hunting, premium sheep and goat areas
- Cariboo (Region 5): Central BC plateaus, excellent moose country
- Skeena (Region 6): Northwestern wilderness, grizzly opportunities
- Omineca (Region 7): Northern forests, caribou and stone sheep
- Peace (Region 8): Agricultural transition zone, wood bison
Always verify current Management Unit maps through the official BC Wildlife website before planning your trip. Private property boundaries, First Nations territories, and park closures can significantly impact access.
Licenses, Tags & Permits
Resident Licenses
- Basic Hunting License: $42 (includes HCTF surcharge)
- Youth License (under 18): $7
- Senior License (65+): $10
- Three-day License: $15
Non-Resident Licenses
- Basic Non-Resident: $80 + $54 HCTF = $134 total
- Non-Resident Alien: $126 + $54 HCTF = $180 total
- Youth Non-Resident: $6 + $1 HCTF = $7 total
Additional Tags & Stamps
- Species Tags: Varies by animal ($25-$250)
- LEH Application Fee: $8 per application
- Federal Migratory Bird Permit: $17
- Fraser Valley Special Area: $2 additional
- Guide Outfitter Accompanying Permit: Required for non-residents hunting big game
British Columbia Hunting Quick FAQ
Q: When is the LEH draw deadline for 2025?
A: The fall Limited Entry Hunt application deadline is November 20, 2025, at 11:59 PM PT. Results are typically released the following May.
Q: Do I need a guide as a non-resident?
A: Yes, all non-resident hunters pursuing big game must be accompanied by a licensed guide outfitter, assistant guide, or resident with a valid Permit to Accompany.
Q: Can youth hunt alone in BC?
A: No, all hunters under 18 must be accompanied by and under direct supervision of a licensed adult hunter (18+) at all times.
Q: What’s required for waterfowl hunting?
A: You need both a provincial license and federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit. Steel shot is mandatory for waterfowl in most areas.
Q: Are there Sunday restrictions?
A: Generally no, but always check local bylaws and private land agreements as some areas may have specific restrictions.
Q: How do I apply for LEH draws?
A: Applications must be submitted online through the BC WILD system. You’ll need valid hunter credentials and must pay the application fee for each draw entered.
Q: What happens if I’m unsuccessful in LEH draws?
A: Unsuccessful applicants receive preference points that improve odds in future draws. Some species also have General Open Seasons available.
🔗 List of Related Guides
For additional planning resources, check out these helpful guides within the CanadaHunting.org network:
- Alberta Hunting Seasons Guide – Compare regulations with BC’s neighboring province
- Canadian Waterfowl Migration Patterns – Time your waterfowl opportunities perfectly
- Mountain Hunting Safety Tips – Essential knowledge for BC’s challenging terrain
Conclusion
British Columbia’s 2025-2026 game calendar offers incredible diversity for outdoor enthusiasts of all experience levels. From coastal Roosevelt elk to high-alpine sheep, the province’s 225 management units provide opportunities that span nearly every type of terrain and species North America has to offer.
Remember that regulations can change, and it’s always your responsibility to verify current rules before heading afield. Purchase your permits early, especially for popular Limited Entry draws, and consider applying for multiple units to maximize your chances. The LEH system rewards persistence, with preference points building your odds over time.
Plan ahead, respect the resource, and enjoy some of the most spectacular wilderness experiences Canada has to offer. Bookmark this page for updates as we approach the next regulation cycle, and remember that successful preparation today leads to memorable adventures tomorrow.
