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Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations

Frequently Asked Questions for Hunters
Changes to the Limited Entry Hunting Draw Application Process

Limited Entry Hunting (LEH)

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Why are you making changes to the Limited Entry Hunting Draw Application Process?

The Province will introduce a new online system for hunters in 2016, to make it easier for you to register and apply for Limited Entry Hunting (LEH) draws. You can submit LEH applications online at home, or at Service BC, FrontCounter BC, or vendor locations.

How will the online system improve the process?

The new online process will be more flexible and convenient. Currently, applications for Limited Entry Hunting (LEH) opportunities can be purchased only during business hours from Service BC and licensed vendors. The new online service will provide access 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It will allow you to view and track your LEH applications online.

Will applying online for the LEH Draw cost more?

No. The cost to apply for the LEH Draw will not change.

Will the new online system mean that LEH authorizations will be sent earlier than in past years?

Yes, but not immediately following the Draw deadline. Paper application cards will be accepted in 2016, and must be manually entered into the new system.  The number of authorizations must also be finalized prior to the Draw taking place.

I don’t have a home computer. Can I still enter the LEH Draw if there are no paper applications?

Yes. Starting with the Fall 2016 LEH Draw, you can apply at your local participating retail vendor or at any FrontCounter BC or Service BC location.

Can I still purchase a paper application for the Fall 2016 LEH Draw?

No. The paper application process is being phased out. Paper application cards are no longer for sale.

I have unused LEH Draw application cards. Can I still submit them for the LEH Draw?

Yes. If you have already purchased them, paper applications will be accepted for the Fall 2016 LEH Draw. After the Fall 2016 LEH Draw, no more paper application cards will be accepted.

I have unused LEH Draw application cards. Can I get a refund?

Yes. You can request a refund by mailing your unused application cards to the Fish and Wildlife Branch. Refunds will be issued by cheque. To receive your refund:

  1. Print the word “Refund” across the front of the LEH application card. NOTE:  Photocopied cards will not be accepted. You can only submit original cards.
  2. Print your first and last name, Hunter Number (if available) and your complete mailing address in the Return Address area on the back of the application card. NOTE: Be sure to print clearly. We are unable to process refund requests with incomplete or illegible names and/or addresses.
  3. If you are submitting more than one LEH application card for a refund, you can include all of them in one envelope. Please ensure that one of the application cards is correctly filled out as described in Steps 1 and 2 above.  Only one refund cheque per envelope will be issued. Do not submit more than one Hunter Number and name in an envelope.
  4. Attach the correct postage and mail your request to the address provided on the LEH application card.

NOTE: Refund requests must be received no later than Dec 31, 2016. Refunds will take approximately 4-6 weeks to process.

I purchased paper application cards stamped “Spring 2016 Only.” Can I use them for the Fall 2016 LEH Draw?

Yes.

When can I apply for the LEH Fall Draw?

Application dates for the Fall 2016 LEH Draw will be published in the 2016-2017 Limited Entry Hunting Regulations Synopsis, available at vendors, FrontCounter BC, Service BC locations and on the Fish and Wildlife Website: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/wildlife/hunting/regulations.

How will I be informed that the new online system is available and ready to access?

Information will be provided in the 2016-2017 LEH Regulations Synopsis, at vendor locations and at FrontCounter BC and Service BC locations. You can also visit the Fish and Wildlife Website for more information: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/wildlife/hunting/news.

What is the deadline for the LEH Fall Draw?

The deadline for the Fall 2016 LEH Draw will be published in the 2016-2017 Limited Entry Hunting Regulations Synopsis, available at vendors, FrontCounter BC, Service BC locations and on the Fish and Wildlife Website: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/wildlife/hunting/regulations.

Will making an online application instead of a paper application change my odds of winning in the LEH Draw?

No. The odds of winning will not change with the online application process.

Will the rules that govern the LEH Draw change?

No. There are no changes to the rules.

Can I still apply for a group or shared hunt with the new online system?

Yes.

Where can I get more information about the LEH Draw?

Fish and Wildlife ID

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Will Angling Numbers be replaced with the new Fish and Wildlife ID?
Not in 2016. Freshwater anglers will continue to use their Angler Numbers to purchase angling licences. As of April 2016, you will need a Fish and Wildlife ID if you want to buy a hunting licence or apply for Limited Entry Hunting. For more information about freshwater angling, go to http://www.fishing.gov.bc.ca/faq_anglers.html or contact FrontCounter BC at 1-877-855-3222.
What is the new Fish and Wildlife ID?
In April, 2016, we are introducing a new online system that will, over time, integrate a range of services for hunters. As part of the new online system, we’re replacing hunter numbers with a new Fish and Wildlife ID – a unique number that gives you access to all of our online services. The first online service to be introduced will be Limited Entry Hunting (LEH) applications and notifications.
Why do I need a FWID?
The FWID will allow you to access Fish and Wildlife online services and view or update your profile, including your personal information (name, date of birth), contact information, hunting credentials, Limited Entry Hunting (LEH) applications, and, in the future, your hunting licence and other services. As of April 2016, you will need a FWID to apply for the Limited Entry Hunting (LEH) draw or to purchase a hunting licence.
What is the FWID going to look like?
The FWID is not a card. You can either print it out or have it printed when you obtain it at Service BC or FrontCounter BC counter locations, or you can download a copy onto your mobile device.
How will I get the Fish and Wildlife ID?
Starting in April, the Fish and Wildlife ID (FWID) can be obtained online from your home computer, or you can obtain it at Service BC or FrontCounter BC locations. If you already have a Hunter Number, you will also be able to obtain your FWID at a local vendor (hunting/fishing or sporting goods store).
What do I need to do to get my FWID?
If you already have a Hunter Number, you will get your FWID automatically when you apply for Limited Entry Hunting or a Hunting Licence – whether online, or at a vendor, Service BC or FrontCounter BC location. If you don't have a Hunter Number, you will need to get your FWID online or at a Service BC or FrontCounter BC location. You'll need to provide some basic identification and information.
I prefer to apply in person for hunting services. Do I still need a FWID?
Yes, hunter services are now online, so you need a FWID to access these services, whether at home or at a vendor, Service BC or FrontCounter BC location. You do not need to use a computer to access hunting services.
I already have a Hunter Number. How do I get a FWID?
If you already have a Hunter Number, you will receive your FWID when you:
  • Apply for the LEH draw, whether online from home, at a vendor, Service BC or FrontCounter BC location.
  • Purchase a BC Hunting Licence at a vendor, Service BC or FrontCounter BC location. Hunting licences will not be available for online purchase in 2016.
Note: Your old 6-digit hunter number will be included in your new 9-digit FWID.
I am a new hunter who does not have a Hunter Number. How do I get a FWID?
If you are a new hunter, you can obtain your FWID by applying online or by visiting a Service BC or FrontCounter BC location. You will need to provide supporting documentation to prove residency and successful completion of hunter safety training, such as the Conservation Outdoor Recreation Education (CORE) program or an equivalent course from another Canadian territory or province, or US state.
I am a First Nations hunter. Do I need a FWID?
Yes, if you wish to apply for Limited Entry Hunting (LEH), you will need a FWID.

Online System

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Why are you introducing an online system?
Hunters have asked for a more efficient and transparent Limited Entry Hunting application process. The new system will allow hunters to apply from home, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It will also allow hunters to view and track their Limited Entry Hunting applications online.
When can I start using the new online system?

The new online system will be available in Spring 2016 to apply for the Fall 2016 LEH Draw.

How will I access the online system?

You can access the online system from your home computer at gov.bc.ca/hunting, at retail vendors, FrontCounter BC or Service BC location.

How will I be informed that the new online system is available and ready to access?

Information will be provided in the 2016-2017 LEH Regulations Synopsis, at vendor locations and at FrontCounter BC and Service BC locations. You can also visit gov.bc.ca/hunting.

Can I obtain my hunting licence online?

Not in 2016. Online licensing will be available in the future.

Does the new online system require different qualifications to hunt?

No. There will be no changes to the qualifications to hunt in BC or the rules governing the LEH Draw.

Where can I get more information about the new online system?