Norwegian hunters, how to get started with hunting in BC

[NorwegianHunter]

Hi everyone! A friend of me and I are students from Norway, who are on axchange and living in vancouver for a year. Both of us hunt small game back home in Norway, and we would really like to try some hunting here in BC, both small and big. Would be awesome to try bearhunting! But, how do we get started? We are legal hunters in Norway, with hunting certification, do anyone of you know whether we need to take a course to be allowed to hunt here? Does anyone know if there is some places where we can rent a firearm for a weekend, or something like that?
Thanks!

[Moose63]

You will need a CORE course for hunting, PAL for firearms (no gun rentals I'm aware of), purchase a non-resident licence.

If you hunt bear are you willing to eat it? I like to hunt but not fond of eating it.

BTW, it is customary to provide a joke as your first post (Norwegian jokes are OK)

[markomoose]

Only the Finns are allowed to hunt here!

[adriaticum]

If you have a gun license in Norway you may be able to use firearms here but you should check with the RCMP if they will accept it.
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/fs-fd/visit-visite-eng.htm


As for actual hunting I believe you can hunt as non-resident but you will most likely need a guide.
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/wildlife/hunting/non_resident/

[MB_Boy]

Hi everyone! A friend of me and I are students from Norway, who are on axchange and living in vancouver for a year. Both of us hunt small game back home in Norway, and we would really like to try some hunting here in BC, both small and big. Would be awesome to try bearhunting! But, how do we get started? We are legal hunters in Norway, with hunting certification, do anyone of you know whether we need to take a course to be allowed to hunt here? Does anyone know if there is some places where we can rent a firearm for a weekend, or something like that?
Thanks!

Here is a ton of the info you will need. http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/wildlife/hunting/regulations/1416/docs/Hunting-TrappingSynopsis_2014-2016.pdf

Page 3 of the synopsis and definition of a "resident" hunter, page 5 "non resident" and "non resident alien" to obtain licenses is where your challenge is going to be if you want to hunt and not pay out the rear end for a guide/outfitter. Depending on how long you have been here is going to have some implication on you being able to do your certifications, get a hunter number and be able to hunt WITOUT going through a guide.

The hunting synopsis can be a bit confusing and I may not have explained it superbly clear but it sounds as though you have just arrived in Canada/BC and intend to be here for just one year?

[redthorn]

Norsemen -


Contrary to popular opinion on this site, you can get a hunting license this year without having to do a CORE course!!!! But... you will be limited to small game and upland birds only unless you have a LICENSED hunting guide lined up. I checked with my local CO, had a good conversation about it, and am doing the same thing for a cousin who is visiting us from Holland this year.

Print off the Following page ( http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/wildlife/hunting/non_resident/docs/non_res_hunting_application.pdf ) and fill out just the top personal information section and check off your status (Non-Resident Canadian or Non-Resident Alien) That will get you a hunting license, enabling you to hunt "Small Game" as defined in the regulations (fox, coyotes, racoon, skunk) If you want to hunt for Grouse or birds, check the box for "Upland Game Birds" if you want that tag in addition to the small game license. If you want any of the Big Game Species listed below that, you have to go with Guide.

Look over Page 9 of the regulations for more info ( http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/wildlife/hunting/regulations/1416/docs/Hunting-TrappingSynopsis_2014-2016.pdf )

If you get your license for birds and small game as shown above, and if you DO NOT have a Canadian Firearms license or equivalency as designated by the CFC ( http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/fs-fd/visit-visite-eng.htm ), then your best option is to have a Canadian friend with proper licenses to accompany you. As taken directly off the CFC website "No licence is required if the firearms user remains under the direct and immediate supervision of a licensed adult."

[2tins]

Velkommen till Canada.