Hunting data
Last updated on August 20, 2024On this page:
Information on hunting and harvest activity across British Columbia is reported by hunters under several reporting programs, including the harvest questionnaire, compulsory inspection and reporting, guide outfitter reports, and permit reporting. Hunting sales data (e.g. licence sales) is collected through the WILD system. The information collected is used to inform wildlife management decisions and support sustainable wildlife populations.
Hunting activity
The following datasets are available through BC Data Catalogue and summarize hunting and harvest activity in British Columbia.
Big Game Harvest
The Big Game Harvest Statistics annual dataset provides a summary of estimated hunting activity for big game species in British Columbia. The data is presented at the wildlife management unit (WMU), region and province levels, and is compiled from the Compulsory Inspection database, Hunter Sample Survey estimates, and Guide Outfitter Reports (Declarations). Data includes the estimated number of hunters, hunt days, and harvests for resident and non-resident hunters.
Access data: Big Game Harvest Statistics
Compulsory Inspection
The Compulsory Inspection program collects harvest data for species that are required to be inspected under the Wildlife Act and its regulations. Data collected includes animal characteristics (species, sex, age) and harvest details (date, location, hunter). The list of species required to be inspected changes over time and varies by region.
Access data: Compulsory Inspection Data
Hunter Sample Survey Estimates
The Hunter Sample (HS) Survey Estimates annual dataset provides a summary of resident hunting activity (general open season and limited entry hunting) based on the Hunter Sample Survey (part of the Harvest Questionnaire). The data is summarized by year and species, and is presented at the Wildlife Management Unit (WMU), region, and provincial levels.
Access data: Hunter Sample Survey Estimates (all species) or Hunter Sample Moose Survey Estimates
Limited Entry Hunting Survey Estimates
The Limited Entry Hunting (LEH) Survey Estimates dataset provides a summary of LEH hunting activity based on the LEH survey (part of the Harvest Questionnaire). The data is summarized by year, species, and LEH hunt code and is presented at the LEH Hunt Area level.
Access data: Limited Entry Hunting Survey Estimates
Limited Entry Hunting Draw Report
The Limited Entry Hunting (LEH) Draw Hunt Code Report provides a summary of the LEH draw statistics by year, draw type, and hunt code, and includes details such as hunt area, season dates, and the number of available and issued LEH authorizations. The data is presented at the LEH Hunt Area level.
Access data: Limited Entry Hunting Draw Hunt Code Report
Hunting Sales
The Hunting Sales Statistics annual dataset provides the number of hunting licences sold in British Columbia each licence year. The data is currently collected through the BC Hunting Online licencing system and includes sales of hunting licences (basic, species and special area) and Limited Entry Hunting (LEH) applications.
Access data: Hunting Sales Statistics
General wildlife data
The following links connect to other provincial wildlife and habitat databases.
BC Data Catalogue
Browse the BC Data Catalogue to find other publicly available datasets related to wildlife & habitat.
Access data:
Search for Wildlife Data & Information
The Province collects, stores, and provides access to wildlife data and information on all wildlife species in B.C.
Access data: Search Wildlife and Habitat databases
Data requests
Requests for data related to hunting not available through the BC Data Catalogue or from the Wildlife and Habitat databases can be made through the Wildlife Branch Data Request form.