The Province will no longer sell paper applications for the fall 2016 Limited Entry Hunting draw as of Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson announced today.

The change is part of the transition to a new online registration service, which the Province will introduce in the spring. The new service will be an efficient and convenient way to address the needs of hunters and guide outfitters, and will help the Province ensure the health and sustainability of wildlife populations. The new service is part of government’s commitment to improve service delivery for British Columbians that is faster, easier to access and simpler to use.

In July 2013, Thomson committed to launching the new service in spring 2016.

Hunters who have previously purchased paper application forms can use them for either the spring or fall 2016, LEH draws, or submit the unused form for a refund. Application forms bought after Dec. 15, 2015, are good for the spring 2016, draw only, and are available only from select vendors in B.C. and Service BC.

Limited Entry Hunting authorizations are awarded by lottery, and applications are available to resident First Nations and other British Columbians with a resident hunter number. The lottery is a fair and effective way to limit the number of hunters, and to protect and manage specific species by limiting the number of animals taken.

Hunters and vendors who want further information about changes to the LEH application process can:

• Call 1 877 855-3222
• Email: huntingtransformation@gov.bc.ca
• Visit online: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/wildlife/hunting/

Quick Facts:

• Last year, more than 83,000 resident hunters applied for a range of LEH draws, and more than 23,000 authorizations were issued.
• From Oct. 22–Dec. 3, 2015, the Province held a public engagement on Reducing Red Tape for British Columbians and received several ideas on improving the hunting licensing process.

Learn More:

To read about specific LEH draws or find out more about the new online system, visit: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/wildlife/hunting/regulations