Newbie trying to find spots

[Fapotu]

Hey all, new to the sport.
I am looking for spots in region 2 (2-4, 2-6/7/8.) to go hunting, and I am not 100% sure if I'm doing it right.
I've looked through the synopsis for no shooting zones and such, looked through the crown land maps, and I have the iHunter app to help as well.

I have a 12 gauge and a .308, and my goal for this year is to get myself a deer and a couple ducks.

I think I've found some areas on google maps that I am ALLOWED to hunt in, would the next step just to be going there, and walking/scouting around before the season starts? I heard that antlers have mostly shed by now so I think it would be cool to try to find a couple of those as well.

Open to any/all suggestions advice.

[tigrr]

Tell us a little bit more about yourself. New to BC. New to Canada.
I spent a lot on gas finding a spot to hunt. Then I spent a lot of hours walking to find game trails.
Now retired I have more time to look around.
I don't hunt ducks anymore. Just moose, elk, deer and bear.

[ArcGearbox]

Fapotu I am sorta in the same boat as you with being relatively new to the hunting world and best thing I can suggest is do your e scouting/homework and then boots on the ground.

I know it can be tough sometime. Believe me, I have a little one at home and it's not easy to break free but try and get out and walk the FSR or general areas.

[Gr8 white hunter]

Go figure it out for yourself or take your Mommy with you.

[vincentcui]

About your goal:

"A couple ducks" - Very easy, there are multiple locations within lower mainland but this year's duck season had passed. Your next opportunity is fall 2025.

"A deer" - Tough one. If you are a newbie and wants to try some easy black-tailed deer hunt, region 1 offers you a lot more opportunities compared to lower mainland.

[Fapotu]

@Tigrr, Hey thanks, I'm in/from Vancouver, just never really had an opportunity to go on a hunt before. I've got all my certs now and planning to just give it a try on my own, may have a friend who would want to come for the camping aspect of it but that's about it.
Been practicing Trap and at the range, so feel like I've got the shooting part down haha.
The plan is to go for some weekend off-trail hikes while I can to get a feel of different areas. Any suggestions on how to find allowable areas? Am I just checking crown land maps vs the synopsis no shooting areas?

@gr8 white hunter, Thats the plan! Going to try a few solo trips then take her with me as she got her certs as well!

@vincent, I was thinking of the island, but saw the ferry has some rules about transporting firearms. Figured it was easier to just stick to the mainland.

[adriaticum]

Yes, you will be in a busy area so you will have to do a lot of scouting.
There are 3 hunters per deer in these areas.
The more time you spend hiking and looking around the better your chances.

[vincentcui]

@Tigrr, Hey thanks, I'm in/from Vancouver, just never really had an opportunity to go on a hunt before. I've got all my certs now and planning to just give it a try on my own, may have a friend who would want to come for the camping aspect of it but that's about it.
Been practicing Trap and at the range, so feel like I've got the shooting part down haha.
The plan is to go for some weekend off-trail hikes while I can to get a feel of different areas. Any suggestions on how to find allowable areas? Am I just checking crown land maps vs the synopsis no shooting areas?

@gr8 white hunter, Thats the plan! Going to try a few solo trips then take her with me as she got her certs as well!

@vincent, I was thinking of the island, but saw the ferry has some rules about transporting firearms. Figured it was easier to just stick to the mainland.

What rules? I just checked BC Ferries websites and had found:
Firearms may be transported under strict conditions. Check with departure terminal for confirmation.

• Firearms must be transported in compliance with Canadian Firearms Regulations. Firearms transported in vehicles must be:
  
  • Unloaded
  • Not visible from outside the vehicle
  • Locked inside vehicle when unattended

So no real concerns. I've never had any issue hunting on the island; I go there almost every year.

[Muledeercrazy2]

Have you checked out the I-Hunter app and the private land features? it helps a lot with keeping track of regulation changes when you move to a different sub region, and is also good for reference. It’s not definitive and doesn’t give you a legal position, but it’s helpful in keeping track of where you are as you explore different areas. If you’re new to Blacktail hunting, you might want to consider picking up pro guides book. Steve Isdahl.

don’t be too disappointed If you don’t start finding sheds right away, that might take a little bit of time.

[Steeleco]

Trying to find Blacktails in Reg 2 for a NUBE isn't going to be easy. You may get lucky but your odds will improve if you try the closer sections of Reg 3 or even east of the Coq in Reg 8.

As mentioned, get off the roads or you will not be alone!!

Good luck