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New online service launched for hunters
The provincial government today launched a new online portal that makes it easy for hunters to access a range of e-services, including hunting licences and applications for limited entry hunting (LEH) draws.
The B.C. hunting portal gives hunters instant access to apply for their resident hunting credentials and the new Fish and Wildlife ID, which replaces the old hunter identification number. Meanwhile, the new online LEH system offers interactive maps and a simple interface that instantly gives hunters information on upcoming hunting opportunities across the province. With the move online, the province is no longer issuing paper LEH applications and will not accept paper LEH applications after 2016, announced Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson.
Hunters without Internet access can still visit and Service BC, FrontCounter BC or an authorized vendor to apply in person for the Fish and Wildlife ID or an LEH draw.
Over time, the province will add other e-services like licences, compulsory reporting forms, guide licences and reporting, and applications to accompany a non-resident hunter.
The launch of the hunting portal follows up on a commitment that Thomson made in 2013. Moving hunting services online also acts on government’s commitment to reduce red tape for British Columbians and is part of transformation for government’s natural resource services under the natural resource permitting project.
“The launch of the new B.C. hunting portal is the first step in a creating a full-service online system for hunters. The website is home base for a growing range of services that are easy to apply for and delivered faster and more conveniently than ever before,” Thomson stated.
“The new system simplifies the registration process while the new interactive LEH feature replaces the cumbersome paper process that used to exist. Now, hunters can find in a few clicks the information they want without wading through pages and pages of material,” said Jim Glaicar, president of the BC Wildlife Federation.
LEH awards hunting authorizations by lottery. These authorizations allow resident hunters to hunt for a specific species, in a designated area, during specified time periods.
Last year, more than 83,000 resident hunters applied for a range of LEH draws and more than 23,000 authorizations were issued.
There are more than 100,000 resident hunters in the province. Sustainably-managed hunting contributes over $350 million each year to B.C.’s economy.
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