Tags in the mail

[Danny]

Anyone know how long it takes to get tags in the mail by chance
Thanks

[todbartell]

few days to a few weeks typically

[ActionJackson017]

Received my first order in late August within a few days. Second order of tags took about 10 days (early Sept).

[sidney-hunter]

8 days once i had em in hand last week.

[ActionJackson017]

I should add too, I'm STILL waiting for my grouse tags.

[mikeman20]

took almost exactly a week for me

[Danny]

Ok thanks
I think im cutting it pretty close . Bought them Tuesday and I'm leaving next Saturday (10th)
If i dont receive them in the mail by Friday is there a way to cancel them and just go to a vender and buy them?

[Noreasny]

Both times I’ve bought them this year they took 3 business days

[landphil]

I ordered mine Monday, Sept 21 mid day, and had them Friday, Sept 25. I was surprised at the speed.

[ActionJackson017]

Yeah, I'm gonna guess you get them Tue or Wed.

I think you'll be fine, Danny. Don't wait so late next year, it's incredibly easy to buy the tags online. I found I bought more online than in store, as in Vancouver often times the stores run out of tags fast. Good luck on your hunt!

[Danny]

Fingers crossed
thanks for all the replies

[Hoffer]

I ordered a deer tag online and it was in my mailbox four days later!

[Huntingtyler123]

Can’t cancel a tag to go then buy one in person. Once it’s issued it’s issued. I’m sure you’ll get it by then

[4 point]

You should have them very soon Danny. Mine came in like 5 days. I bet yours arrive Monday or Tuesday.

[Frank grimes]

I just went the corner store. Bought milk, gas, and tags and license. Once this place stops selling tags I’ll have to go online. I kind of dread it, it’s the only place left in the valley that does it.

[Danny]

Well the mail man just walked by with no tags for me so it looks like i'm heading to the store to get a second set of tags less a moose tag obviously
Live and learn
Next time i'll buy them in person
Dan

[caddisguy]

I am kind of in the same boat as others but not really. Normally I get them within 2 or 3 days of ordering.... like if I order on the Sunday I get them back Tuesday or Wednesday.

After calling around a bit last weekend, it seems between us, my brother and mother that we have enough combined freezer space for a deer. I figured I would order another deer tag.

I have yet to check the mail today, but I never seem to get mail on Fridays... so who knows.

Funny enough, caddisgirl went to buy her hunting license because she wants to shoot some birds. It would not let her buy a license online. Then looking a bit closer, we saw she already had a license AND a deer tag LOL. Neither of us remember buying it back in the Spring. Then she looked around a bit and found her tag... so at least one of us has a deer tag for sure. Not really looking for a deer, but if we are looking around for birds and see a deer and she wants to take a poke at it, that's an option :)

I might have one in the mail today, who knows.

It brought a question to mind though. It says online the tag has been issued and that it is the law for to carry all tags (cancelled or not cancelled) I wonder if a CO would question the missing tag. My assumption is they probably give some grace period for tags that have been issued but are stuck in the mail. Just one of those legal scenarios I don't think anyone thought up while drafting the legislation.

Edit: yep, no tag in the mail, so something is a bit slower than normal... either tag order backlog or just Canada Post. Not really set on taking another deer anyway. caddisgirl has a tag and can do whatever she feels like. I'm honestly just hoping to drive around and shoot birds :D

[Gun Dog]

A friend dawdled ordering tags and ended up having them forwarded from home to 100 Mile House for pickup. Oops.

I'm sure you can buy as many tags as you want but you can only cancel one (or whatever the provincial bag limits is). Needing to carry all tags is an interesting conundrum since some tags may be in the mail. I'm sure there's an issue date for each tag.

[Ubertuber]

Well the mail man just walked by with no tags for me so it looks like i'm heading to the store to get a second set of tags less a moose tag obviously
Live and learn
Next time i'll buy them in person
Dan
That, or buy them online a little earlier. The online system works quite well, but you do have to plan ahead a bit. Mine showed up in 3 business days.
Good luck on your hunt!

[Mudsey]

Well the mail man just walked by with no tags for me so it looks like i'm heading to the store to get a second set of tags less a moose tag obviously
Live and learn
Next time i'll buy them in person
Dan

You can go to Service BC and declare the tags in the mail as lost and get replacement tags

[caddisguy]

A friend dawdled ordering tags and ended up having them forwarded from home to 100 Mile House for pickup. Oops.

I'm sure you can buy as many tags as you want but you can only cancel one (or whatever the provincial bag limits is). Needing to carry all tags is an interesting conundrum since some tags may be in the mail. I'm sure there's an issue date for each tag.

I doubt there would be an issue of someone being stopped in the field with all tags minus one that was issued and sent by mail recently. I didn't worry about it at all when I went on this weekend. I hope one day they fix up laws/regulations like that (and many others) to remove the grey areas though.

[caddisguy]

Hmm. I still have not received my deer tag ordered on the 4th.

Is anyone else experiencing delays for tags ordered this month?

At some point I will have to pursue getting it reissued to make sure that I am in compliance (having all my tags even if I never received it) while hunting. Is there a way to have a tag reissued via phone + mail rather than going into ServiceBC?

[MOOSE MILK]

Canadian Tire...tags in hand 10 minutes later.

[Frango]

It has never taken more than 3 business days for me. Some people have said weeks? I quess that is possible if you get your mail by dog team or the mail truck is a Chev.

[caddisguy]

It has never taken more than 3 business days for me. Some people have said weeks? I quess that is possible if you get your mail by dog team or the mail truck is a Chev.

Yeah mine have always come in 2 or 3 days. I've been asking around to see if anyone else who ordered in early October is still waiting. Seems to be a few.

[caddisguy]

Canadian Tire...tags in hand 10 minutes later.

In hind sight I wish I had gone that route. Now I am kind of stuck wondering whether or not it will show up in the mail or having them cancel it so that I can just go buy one somewhere.

It will be unfortunate if I have to take a trip into ServiceBC to get it all sorted out. I guess if it doesn't show up in the mail today I will try calling to see what needs to be done.

[caddisguy]

Update on pending tag in the mail:I called FrontCounter because I ordered a tag on Oct 4 and have not received it (normally I receive them within 2-3 business days.

I was advised to wait up to 15 business days from when the tag was ordered, then I can get it replaced to free or I can go anytime and get it replaced for a $15 fee. Either way, I would need to go to ServiceBC in person.

Here's the kicker. FrontCounter confirmed that it would in fact be illegal to go hunting (even for grouse) if I have ordered a deer tag online but have yet to receive it. So, just an FYI for anyone who was curious (like me) about that.

Anyway, I was half thinking about going out hunting this weekend to look for a good buck, but I guess not if the tag doesn't show up tomorrow. In theory I could go to ServiceBC, but I am ok with giving it another week to see if it shows. Good lesson about ordering tags online though. It's probably a bad idea to order any tag online during hunting season unless you are not planning to hunt AT ALL for up to 3 weeks OR you don't mind driving to ServiceBC and paying $15.

[Mulehahn]

I ordered my bobcat tag on September 30 (after work so say the the 1st) and it still hasn't arrived. Guess I will be going to Frontcounter on Monday as I leave for my annual trip on Wednesday. Don't understand why middle of the season makes a difference. It is an automated printer. Especially if I can just go to Frontcounter and get a new one immediately. The only hold ip should be the mail.

[Huntingtyler123]

What why even grouse? Weird

[caddisguy]

What why even grouse? Weird

Yeah it's just because the Reg's say that you must be in possession of all issued tags if you are hunting. There is are no exceptions for what you might be hunting for.

It seems like a pretty dumb scenario. It is similar to PAL renewal. The moment your new PAL is issued, your old one is invalid even if it has not expired and it takes them weeks or months to print and send the new one, so you are technically in violation having firearms and not being able to produce a valid PAL in the mean time.

Our firearms laws and a lot of hunting laws are so poorly thought out and there is no effort to fix them. It puts us in all sorts of awkward situations. We deserve better.

Anyway, this one can be resolved fairly easily be a visit to Service BC and paying some extra money. Inconvenient, but at least there is a solution in this case, unlike the PAL renewal quagmire.

[Huntingtyler123]

Yeah it's just because the Reg's say that you must be in possession of all issued tags if you are hunting. There is are no exceptions for what you might be hunting for.

It seems like a pretty dumb scenario. It is similar to PAL renewal. The moment your new PAL is issued, your old one is invalid even if it has not expired and it takes them weeks or months to print and send the new one, so you are technically in violation having firearms and not being able to produce a valid PAL in the mean time.

Our firearms laws and a lot of hunting laws are so poorly thought out and there is no effort to fix them. It puts us in all sorts of awkward situations. We deserve better.

Anyway, this one can be resolved fairly easily be a visit to Service BC and paying some extra money. Inconvenient, but at least there is a solution in this case, unlike the PAL renewal quagmire.


right makes sense. What if you just got your core and had no tags bought ever haha

[caddisguy]

Update:

I just reached out to the ministry with an inquiry on the matter. Since they are the legislative party, their response will clarify "intent" of the law.

I did not leave any wiggle room. I will share the letter. Depending on the reply and any disclaimers that come with it, I might or might not be able to share the reply in full, but I will certainly summarize it. Anyway, here is the email I just sent off:

....................

To whom it may concern,

I seeking clarification regarding the requirement to carry all issued species tags while hunting, specifically after a tag has been ordered online with an "Issued" status, but has yet to be received in the mail.

When I called today (October 15th) to inquire with the Front Counter staff about a Mule Deer tag ordered on October 4th, 2020 that has been issued but not received via Canada Post, I was advised that I would not be able to participate in any hunting (including species I possess tags for, or species such as grouse which do not require tags for residents) and would either need to continue waiting to see if it arrives in the mail or visit a Service BC Front Counter and pay a fee to have the tag re-issued.

The BC Hunting Sign In page (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/recreation/fishing-hunting/hunting) states the following:

"Species licences bought online will be mailed. Allow approximately three weeks BEFORE your hunt."

I feel that most hunters will interpret this as indication the species tag might not be delivered for up to 3 weeks, meaning they will not be able to utilize that particular tag for up to 3 weeks. As many hunters participate in various "hunts" consistently throughout the season, if what I am advised by Front Counter is accurate, I feel that hunters may unwittingly order tags online without the realization that the tag is considered "Issued" upon the online transaction being processed, prior to delivery through mail and that the hunter is then required to cease all hunting activity until the tag is received.

Referring to the Wildlife Act for clarification, we find the following:

11 (1)A person who hunts wildlife commits an offence unless the person holds all of the following:
(a)a hunting licence issued to the person under this Act;
(b)any limited entry hunting authorization that is required by regulation;
(c)any other licence that is required by regulation;
(d)any other permit that is required by regulation.

And then we refer to the regulation:

"You must carry all your species licences while hunting, both cancelled and uncancelled. If you buy your species licence online, it will be mailed to you subject to Canada Post delivery times. If you buy your species licences in-person, you will obtain them immediately."

And of the definition of hunting:

"Hunt & Hunting - includes shooting at, attracting, searching for, chasing, pursuing, following after or on the trail of, stalking, or lying in wait for wildlife or attempting to do any of those things, whether or not the wildlife is then or subsequently wounded, killed or captured:
(a) with intention to capture the wildlife, or
(b)while in possession of a firearm or other weapon."

This all seems quite clear. The question I would have is "when" a species license ordered online become "your" species license. Is it immediately upon the website indicating the "Issued" status, or when it is actually received in the mail? Or is there a certain period where a hunter is not in violation if they do not have the tag (as the website suggests it might not be received for 3 weeks and the Front Counter staff advised 15 business days)

More simply put, is it accurate that a hunter is in violation punishable under the Wildlife Act if they do not cease all hunting activity between ordering a tag online and receiving it in the mail? If not, is there a specific grace period between ordering the tag and being required to possess it?

If the hunter will be in violation immediately for participating in any hunting after ordering any tag, can this be clarified on the website beyond "Species licences bought online will be mailed. Allow approximately three weeks BEFORE your hunt.", which most individuals would believe is only applicable to the species licenses being purchased? For example, "Species licences bought online will be mailed. You will be required to wait up to three weeks BEFORE commencing participation in ANY hunting of ANY species once an online tag has been ordered"

Thank you very much in advance for providing clarification on the matter.

[dareckf]

I'm at 12 business days now for a tag ordered Sept 30 and it still hasn't arrived. Leaving tomorrow and Service BC says unless it's 15 business days I have to go in and pay to get a new one. In the past it's taken about 3 business days so this seems a bit crazy. Of course it will show up in the mail on Monday.

[ryanb]

Somebody in the ministry isn't doing their job. I'm in service bc now waiting on my tags. They say I have to pay 20 bucks but their website makes no mention of this 15 business day delivery standard. I would have bought tags in person if that were the case. In all the years its never taken more than canada post delivery times plus 1 business day. I'll be talking to my mla about this breakdown in government services.

I'm at 14 business days...

[caddisguy]

Somebody in the ministry isn't doing their job. I'm in service bc now waiting on my tags. They say I have to pay 20 bucks but their website makes no mention of this 15 business day delivery standard. I would have bought tags in person if that were the case. In all the years its never taken more than canada post delivery times plus 1 business day. I'll be talking to my mla about this breakdown in government services.

I'm at 14 business days...

I will go into Service BC mid next week if I have not received the tag. I was on the fence about going hunting this weekend anyway, so having to take a trip over to Service BC decided it for me. I will stay home, since they say I am not allowed to legally participate in any kind of hunting for any species until I am holding the outstanding tag.

Still waiting for clarification from the ministry with regard to my letter above, but I imagine they will just reiterate what the Front Counter says and that is "If you have ordered a deer tag online and you were to go hunting for grouse before receiving the deer tag in the mail, you will be in violation"

[Rampager]

I ordered a moose tag online Oct 4th, as soon as our trip was confirmed. I did not receive it in the mail by today Oct 16. I called FrontCounter BC around 2pm and they said since it has been less than 15 business days (10 in this case) they could issue a new one for a $10 fee (it would have been free if it was over 15 days). But... they close to the public at noon so I would have to go to Service BC. So down to Service BC I go, stand in line, only for the collective wisdom of the ladies working there to tell me there is no option to issue a new tag if it was less than 15 days. I cite what FrontCounter told me and they stood their ground and there's nothing they can do. I go back outside and call FrontCounter back, the lady escalates the issue to her supervisor who confirms what they originally told me, but they are unable to contact the ServiceBC office and convince them of this. Forunately the very nice and understanding lady said I can come to FrontCounter and they will let me through the doors even though they are closed to the public and issue me a new tag for a $10 fee, which at this point I was happy to pay to make this problem go away.

My lesson learned which I will highly suggest to everyone - if you are buying a tag for a hunt that will start in less than 3 weeks, just do it in person.

For the record all my previous tag purchases have came in the mail in the 3-5 business day range.

[caddisguy]

@rampager

Sounds like a lot ot of people are being inconvenienced this year. I am curious the reason for the delay. It doesn't seem to be Canada Post (ordered lots of things since the tag, even across borders and received them already) Front Counter doesnt acknowledge being aware of any delays. Seems a bit fishy.

One thing to add or clarify as part of the lesson though is not just "if you are buying a tag for a hunt that will start less than 3 weeks" is "if you are buying any tag and plan on doing any hunting for any species in less than 3 weeks". Say for example if I order a tag today for a cougar hunt in Feb... what we are being told is once I order the cougar tag online for the February hunt, that it is illegal to go out and hunt deer or grouse until I receive the cougar tag even if it takes 3 weeks or is lost in the mail and I have to pay them more money to get it replaced. I emailed the ministry to confirm, but I suspect they will reiterate this dumb legal quagmire. So I think the lesson should be "never buy a tag online during the season unless you are prepared to cease all hunting activity for 3 weeks and/or drive out to a ServiceBC location to pay the ransom"

[ryanb]

Probably a leaf licker in the ministry or front counter office that thinks they can save some animals by not sending out the tags in a timely manner.

[Astepanuk]

I ordered my tags delivered to Alberta 2 months before our hunt they arrived in 2 days.

[the hopper]

Seems I’m also in this pickle. Purchased oct 8th.
Didn’t think much of it at the time previously my tags have always shown up so fast I swear the dude giving em out resided in my P.O. Box.
if they don’t come by tomorrow I will miss a second weekend of hunting. ��

[Mulehahn]

I ordered my Bobcat tag October 1st. Arrived today. Exactly 15 working days. I don't leave for my trip til Saturday so I will have all my tags and no trip to Front counter. But seems like a mess.

[caddisguy]

I received mine in the mail yesterday (ordered October 4th)

Dead air from the ministry with regard to the important question:

"Is a hunter required to cease and desist all hunting from all species from the moment any tag is ordered online until they receive it and if so, can that be made clear on the website where hunters order tags?"

Front Counter is adement that it is illegal to even hunt grouse if you have ordered a deer tag online but have yet to receive it.

I don't think the ministry wants to clarify this either way. I believe the Front Counter response is a reflection of the how the ministry would like the law / regulation to be interpreted and perhaps enforced, so that is a bit chilling. We deserve better.

I did have a chance to chat with a couple lawyers about it for (for "entertainment" and good conversation) It will make an interesting case if someone gets hit with a charge / fine and decides to challenge it.

Lesson is never order a tag online in season, even if it is October and it's a cougar tag for a hunt in February, unless you are fine with not hunting at all (grouse, deer, etc) or you want to potentially be part of the process where it finally gets clarified in court. I believe that is the only way this issue will get clarified other than perhaps a new government.

[338win mag]

Tags take 2 weeks to be processed and delivered, yet, I can order something from Amazon and it comes from Ontario in 3 days.
It is just one more example of an inept government entity.

[ab3]

My whitetail tag arrived yesterday, the day before I left for my hunt. I was prepared to pick up another one at front counter if necessary, though thankfully didn't have to. It took 9 days to get to me from ordering to delivery, including a long weekend.

[caddisguy]

My whitetail tag arrived yesterday, the day before I left for my hunt. I was prepared to pick up another one at front counter if necessary, though thankfully didn't have to. It took 9 days to get to me from ordering to delivery, including a long weekend.

I hope you didn't hunt at all over the long weekend (even for grouse) or you are a law breaker according to the current regime.

I for one was just driving dirt roads the long weekend before Front Counter told me that was illegal to even hunt grouse with a deer tag pending in the mail... even if I might have posted about grouse hunting that weekend.. sometimes I post fictitious grouse hunting stories online for attention... was just driving around :)

Looking forward to your WT hunt story! Have a great trip!!