Trapping Licence

Trapping Licence

Trapping Licence: An application for a licence to trap fur-bearing animals. Also included is information on the registration and transferring of traplines.

Related Activities: Fur Trader

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.
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Mandatory Authorizations

Authorization Name Link to Authorization Guidance Link to Application
Trapping Licence, Wildlife Act (Section 13 and 15), Commercial Activities Regulation 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
Permit fee Licence fee + Habitat Conservation Trust Fund - HCTF 1 YR:$40 5 YR:$200 Permit Fee Details
Fur Royalty A person who kills a furbearing animal under the authority of a licence to hunt wildlife is exempt from paying a royalty in relation to the pelt or skin of that animal, unless he intends to sell the pelt or skin. Variable depending on species. Required if pelt or skin is being offered for sale. Fur Royalty Schedule

Eligibility Requirements

Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements prior to applying.

Requirement Description
Trapping Licence Must be a Canadian Citizen or permanent resident of Canada and must have successfully completed the Trappers Education Program (TEP) approved by the Director responsible for Fish and Wildlife. Approved courses include the following: BC - obtained since July 1, 1982; Quebec - Obtained since July 1, 1988; Yukon, Alberta and Ontario - Obtained since July 1, 1989. Note: It is an offence to trap if you do not meet this requirement.
Education/Training Applicant must have passed the Trapping Exam. Provide proof of passing the course to your application. Example: photocopy of your Trapper Education Course Certificate

Information Requirements

Requirement Description Link to Details
Trapping Licence Application 1. Applicant contact details;
2. Trapline number and region;
3. Indicate registered trapline/assistant on a registered trapline/private property trapping;
4. Attach a photocopy of BC Trapper Education Course Certificate (first time applicants only); and
5. If private property trapping, provide Management Unit and legal land description.
6. You must provide written property owner consent or proof of ownership in your application if private property trapping. 		Trapping Licence Application Form
7. You will be required to submit Trapper Harvest Reports through BC Hunting Online, by July 31 after each licence year. Trapper Harvest Reports
Fish and Wildlife Identification (FWID) To submit reports for your trapping reporting you will be required to have a FWID as part of the Trapping Licence application. A FWID is obtained through BC Hunting Online. BC Hunting Online

Potential Additional Requirements

Requirement Description When is it Required?
British Columbia Trapline Registration 1. Trapline Registration - Needs to be approved by Regional Manager.
2. Trapline Number
3. Name, signature, mailing address, phone number of new registered holder(s) of trapline
4. All registered holder(s) - must be 19 years of age or older; Canadian Citizen or permanent resident of Canada; and must be licenced trappers or have completed a Trapper Education Course. Note: A person or group of persons must not be granted registration of more than one trapline unless: a. the traplines are contiguous, b. the person or group of persons has submitted to the regional manager a fur management plan, and c. the regional manager has approved the fur management plan. 		Required when registering a trapline. The registration of a trapline does not (a) give the holder of the trapline any proprietary rights to wildlife or (b) restrict the rights of another person (i) to hunt, or (ii) to capture wildlife, if authorized by the regulations or a permit.
Parks - Land Use Occupancy application form This permit covers all use and occupancy of land, other than commercial recreation activities, that take place within a park or conservancy, including but not limited to: structures and improvements, access roads or trails, utility rights-of-way, communication sites, aquaculture, water storage, trapping, diversions, dams and other miscellaneous land use. See Links section for more information. When operating within a park.
Trapline Cabin - Notation of Interest See Links section for links on the trapline policy and form to request a trapline cabin notation of interest. When requiring a cabin on Crown land.
Trapline Transfer 1. Name and signature of person(s) transferring their right with name and date;
2. Trapline number; and
3. Signature of Witness, printed name and address. See Links section for additional details on Trapline Transfer and the application form. 		When the rights to a registered trapline are transferred to a person or group of persons. Note: A person or group of persons shall pay a transfer fee of $50. Processing may take up to 50 days.
Link Description
Land Use/Occupancy Park Use Permit Application A web page providing additional detail on Park Use Permits as well an online application form.
Trapline Cabin Notation of Interest Information and Application A web page providing an online application form and information required to propose (or request) a trapline cabin notation.
Trapline Cabin Policy A web page providing additional detail on trapline policy, policy objectives and criteria for trapline cabins.
Trapline Registration and Transfer Form A web page providing an online application form necessary for the registration or transfer of traplines.
Trapping Licence Application Guide A web page providing guidance and information on requirements needed for completing an online Trapping Licence application.
Use of Roadkill Trappers with valid trapping licences, valid trapping permits, or persons exempted from holding licences or permits to trap fur bearing animals are now able to pick up certain species of wildlife that have died as a result of collisions with motor vehicles and to use the carcasses as bait for traps set under the authority of their trapping licence, permit, or exemption.
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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