B.C. hunting seasons, closed areas, trapping rules and motor-vehicle restrictions updated for 2026–27

Plain-language summary · AI-assisted · not legal advice

British Columbia has made a wide-ranging set of changes to its hunting and wildlife management rules. New closed areas are established near Shaman Island, Burnt River, and along the Nisga'a Highway (Highway 113), banning or restricting hunting in those zones. Hunting seasons for white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, grouse, turkey, lynx, and wolverine have been adjusted across multiple management units, including new early September youth-only seasons for deer and grouse in Regions 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. Carcass retention rules for grizzly bear, black bear, cougar, and mountain sheep have been updated, and elk has been added to the list of species requiring confirmation of sex during transport. Trappers in several management units must now house certain body-gripping traps inside approved fisher exclusion boxes, and several new trap models have been added to the approved commercial trapping list. Motor-vehicle prohibition maps in multiple management units have been updated, and some existing seasonal and area restrictions have been repealed or redrawn. Hunters, trappers, guides, and outfitters operating in affected areas should review the updated regulations and maps before the season opens.

Who this affects: hunters and big-game hunters · trappers and commercial furharvesters · hunting guides and outfitters · youth hunters · motor-vehicle and ATV users in wildlife management units