Want to get into hunting just in time for the 2019 season? Well, you’re in luck as this week we are discussing what you need to hunt, legally, in British Columbia! There are two different ways to hunt in B.C. The first being hunting with your own non-restricted firearm or the second being hunting with a licensed partner who has their PAL.

Option 1- Hunting with your non-restricted firearm

This option is for outdoor enthusiasts who want to hunt with their own non-restricted firearm. We recommend obtaining your Possession and Acquisition Licence, PAL, first. One might think that it would be logical to take the CORE Hunter Education course certificate first, but hear us out.

If you intend to hunt with a personal firearm and do not have a valid PAL, then you will have to take the Canadian Firearms Safety (CFSC/ CRFSC) course. The reason we recommend that students take the Canadian Firearms Safety course first is so they safely, adequately, and legally know how to handle their firearms before heading into the wilderness.

Once you have your PAL, you are now ready to take the CORE Hunter Education course. Since you have already taken the CFSC/ CRFSC not only can you safely handle a firearm you can now be exempted from the practical examination that occurs in the CORE course.

To be exempted from the practical exam, students must provide proof of PAL course completion ie. course reports (these are given to you at the end of your CFSC / CRFSC class provided you’ve passed). If you’re a previous student of Silvercore, we’ll automatically check our records to see if you can be exempted and will mark the class list for the instructor accordingly. Please note that a valid PAL, gun license, is not accepted as proof for an exemption for the practical test as per BCWF regulations.

Once you have completed both the Canadian Firearms Safety course and the CORE Hunter Education course you can then safely and legally hunt in B.C. with your non-restricted firearm.

Option 2- Hunting with a partner who has a valid PAL

If you decide not to take the Canadian Firearms Safety course, there is still a mandatory non-restricted practical exam within the CORE course. What this means is that you are still able to hunt legally in B.C. with a non-restricted firearm without a valid PAL. Confused? Let us explain.

To hunt legally in Canada, all that is required of you is to complete the CORE Hunter Education course and obtain your Fish & Wildlife ID (FWID). Meaning you can hunt with a firearm, without a license, as long as you’re under the direct supervision of a hunting buddy who does have a valid PAL. You are required to stay near someone with a valid PAL so they can monitor your safety and handling of the non-restricted firearm.

Here at Silvercore, we recommend that individuals take both the Canadian Firearms Safety Courseand the CORE Hunter Education course. This recommendation is to ensure all our students are adequately prepared, filled to the brim with knowledge and skills, to take on the great outdoors.

If you prefer to study in the comfort of your home and on your own time, Silvercore has created and online training course for the CORE Hunter Eduction course as well as a full online prep course for the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and Restricted Safety course

So it’s your choice! Whether you decide to take both courses or just the one, we are here to help you every step of the way. Should any further questions arise, please call our office at 604-940-7785 or email info@silvercore.ca

Travis Bader
Silvercore Inc.