Limited Entry Hunting (LEH) in BC
Limited Entry Hunting (LEH) is BC's lottery for hunts where the province caps the number of hunters for a species, area, or season. To apply you need an active Fish and Wildlife ID (FWID) with a hunting credential and a BC resident credential. Each application costs $6.30 including taxes, and the fee is non-refundable. For the full walkthrough, read our Guide to Limited Entry Hunting in British Columbia.
What You Need
If you want to go hunting, the first thing you need is a Fish and Wildlife ID, also known as a FWID, with an active hunting credential. You earn the hunting credential by passing the CORE exam. Some people hunt with a bow and others with a firearm. If you want to hunt with a firearm, read How to Hunt in BC for the full roadmap, including the firearms licence you will need.
Ok, so we have discussed licensing, now what? One thing often overlooked in hunting is proper insurance coverage. The Silvercore Club includes $5 million in liability coverage across Canada and the United States, for hunting as well as firearms activities.
In addition, the Club's coverage exceeds the $1,000,000 public liability and property damage insurance you need to buy a Fraser Valley Special Area licence (MU 2-4, plus the parts of MU 2-8 inside Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Mission and Coquitlam).
Ensure you are properly covered, JOIN THE SILVERCORE CLUB!
What is LEH?
Now that we’ve covered your insurance needs, let’s get onto what Limited Entry Hunting, or LEH, is all about.
If you are a hunter, then you know that there is hunting which is open to all licensed hunters, and harvest of these game animals is managed through season, restrictions on class of animal and bag limits. This is known as the General Open Season, or GOS.
LEH is a separate hunting opportunity which is only open to individuals that have applied for the LEH and have been drawn. This provides wildlife managers the ability to more closely control the number of hunters that can hunt a species, or class of species, in a specific area and during a specific time.
Although the LEH draws are random, successful applicants have their chances reduced in subsequent draws in order to improve the chances of those who have been unsuccessful.
How to Apply for LEH & When to Apply for LEH.
Now that you know what Limited Entry Hunting is, let's discuss how and when to apply for it. The LEH application costs $6.30, this includes taxes and is non-refundable. You can apply online through WILD here, or head to any Service BC or FrontCounter BC office to apply. You can also buy the LEH application at any participating vendor location.
Main Draw
The main draw (fall hunts) closes in the spring. The province publishes the exact deadline each year in the current LEH Regulations Synopsis.
Early Skeena Mountain Sheep and Haida Gwaii Black Bear Draw
Applications for the spring draw (Skeena sheep and Haida Gwaii black bear) must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Thursday, February 4, 2027.
How Do I Find My LEH Application Results?
Alright, so you’ve applied, but how are you supposed to know if you’ve been drawn for this LEH?
You can go online anytime after the draw to see if you were successful by logging in to your FWID profile in WILD here. You can also find out by visiting a participating vendor location.
Where Can LEH Updates Be Found?
Regulations change, so stay up to date. Updates are posted online here.
How Can I Learn More About Hunting and Hunting Related Information?
A few places to start:
- Take the Online CORE Hunter Education Course. This course contains everything you need to know to get started on your journey and obtain your FWID.
- Listen to The Silvercore Podcast. The Silvercore Podcast discusses matters related to hunting, firearms, hiking, outdoor adventure and the people and businesses that comprise the community all from a uniquely Canadian perspective.
- Join the Silvercore Club to receive exclusive club discounts with participating retailers (some of whom sell hunting related products), and the Silvercore Club Facebook Community. There are many individuals who hunt and have experience in hunting who are happy to share their knowledge and all it takes is a little ask and community involvement.
Here's Some Additional Helpful Information:
- LEH Regulations Synopsis: the rules for the LEH lottery, published online for each draw cycle.
- Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis 2026 to 2028: the general BC hunting regulations, published online by the province.
