Hunting Wildlife from an Aircraft

Hunting Wildlife from an Aircraft

This application authorizes a person to hunt wildlife from an aircraft. See section 3.1(1)(b) of the Wildlife Act – Permit Regulation.

It is the permit holder’s responsibility to be aware of all applicable laws and the limits of this permit. Applicants should be aware of and follow the conditions indicated on their permit, should their permit application be approved.

Contents:

About this Activity Guide

This guide summarizes the most common requirements and recommendations for your chosen activity and is designed to help you submit a complete application. Be aware that this information is for guidance purposes only.
Need Help? Contact FrontCounter BC

Mandatory Authorizations

Authorization Name Link to Authorization Guidance Link to Application
Permit under Wildlife Act, Permit Regulation (section 3.1(1)(b)) Authorization Guidance Apply Now

Costs

Cost may be a specific value or range of values. The cost includes GST, where applicable.

Cost Type Cost Description Cost Link to Details
General Wildlife Permit - Permit Fee Fee paid for a permit issued generally or for the wildlife, purpose or method specified (if any) plus the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF) surcharge (if any). $50 permit fee + $5 HCTF = $55.00 Wildlife Act Permit Regulation - Schedule 3

Eligibility Requirements

Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements prior to applying.

Requirement Description
Wildlife Must be wildlife as defined under the Wildlife Act.
Age Applicant must be at least 19 years old, unless a parent or guardian has given written consent to the application. A permit must NOT be issued to an applicant under age 10.

Information Requirements

Authorization Requirement Description Link to Details
Permit 3.1(1)(b) Information to be provided on General Wildlife Application
  • Experience hunting wildlife from an aircraft, or similar experience (e.g. military, search and rescue, etc.)
  • Relevant training, education and licencing (e.g. Shooting from a helicopter, Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Education, Possession and Acquisition Licence, military experience, Helicopter Pilot)
  • Required equipment (e.g., appropriate firearm(s), ammunition, safety gear)
  • Ability to reliably identify wildlife and ensure humane hunting practices
  • Ability to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of people involved in the hunt
  • Location (Region and M.U.)
  • Wildlife species to be targeted: Common Name and Scientific Name (see BC Species and Ecosystem Explorer to search for common and scientific names of wildlife species in BC)
Permit 3.1(1)(b)
Reporting Requirements
  • The permit holder must maintain an accurate up to date record of the wildlife hunted, trapped or killed under the permit, which includes the following information:
    • Common name of the wildlife
    • Location where the wildlife was taken
    • The date the wildlife was hunted, trapped or killed
    • The sex and age class of the wildlife taken
    • The bands or tags on the wildlife
    • A description of all nests, dams or other structures destroyed or removed
  • The permit holder must submit the original copy of this record to FrontCounter BC within 21 days of the permit’s expiry
Link Description
BC Species and Ecosystem Explorer
Wildlife Act - Permit Regulation
Schedule A of the Designation and Exemption Regulation of the Wildlife Act
Need Help? Contact FrontCounter BC

Other Things You Should Know

Archaeology Information
Archaeological sites are protected under the Heritage Conservation Act and must not be altered or damaged without a permit issued by the Archaeology Branch. Information regarding potential risks to protected archaeological sites may be obtained by submitting an online data request form to the Archaeology Branch or by contacting a professional archaeologist via the BC Association of Professional Archaeologists (www.bcapa.ca) or via local directories. Visit the Archaeology Branch website for more information.

BCeID - What Is It and Why Get It?
BCeID is an online service that allows you to create a user ID and password to sign in securely to many Government services in British Columbia. The benefits of having a BCeID account include:

  • Stop and start. Save and return later to complete your application without losing any information previously entered.
  • Real time status information. Check the status of your application in real time.
  • Access your applications for multiple people (Business BCeID only) to edit or submit your application or check its status. To enroll in this service, visit the BCeID web page: FrontCounter BC - BCeID

Consulting with First Nations

  • The Province is committed to reconciliation as part of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Act.
  • The Province is responsible for ensuring adequate and appropriate consultation and accommodation, it may involve the proponent in the procedural aspects of consultation.
Proponents are encouraged to engage with First Nations as early as possible in the planning stages to build relationships and for information sharing purposes. To get more information about the guidelines and procedure manuals that are designed to assist government officials and proponents with meeting consultation obligations, please visit the Consulting with First Nations web page.

Legal Disclaimer
This guide provides the most current and accurate information available to the Government of British Columbia at the time of publishing; however, we make no warranty regarding the completeness, currency or accuracy of this information. This information is for guidance purposes only and does not replace legislated requirements. Each application is unique and circumstances may result in additional requirements beyond those included in this guide.

Last Updated: July 14, 2023