Home »
Hunters from across B.C. expected for CWD deer hunt
As the provincially mandated deer hunt around the outskirts of Cranbrook approaches in January 2026, the city is reminding all hunters to be fully aware of municipal boundaries and all applicable regulations, including avoiding hunting on private property without permission and respecting restricted areas such as the Community Forest, which remains off-limits under the BC Forest and Range Practices Act.
On October 3, 2025, the Province of BC through the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship announced a targeted deer hunt in Cranbrook from January 5 to 31, 2026, aimed at reducing the risk of chronic wasting disease (CWD) and increasing sampling to monitor its presence.
The hunt is intended to lower deer density around Cranbrook to help limit disease spread, remove potentially infected animals, and protect wildlife health, hunting opportunities, and the cultural, recreational and food resources communities depend on.
Under the Firearms Bylaw 4220, 2025, the discharge of a firearm or bow anywhere within the City of Cranbrook is not allowed unless you are a Peace Officer, or an employee or contractor of the City of Cranbrook, the Province of BC, the Federal Government of Canada or an employee of the SPCA. (See map below.)
Disobeying this bylaw may receive a $5,000 fine or six months in prison upon conviction.
Similarly, it is against the law to discharge a firearm in specific areas under the Province of British Columbia’s Closed Areas Regulation under the Wildlife Act: Discharging a firearm is prohibited within 100 metres of homes, schools, churches, parks, or other occupied areas, and within or across the road allowance of numbered highways or provincially maintained public roads.
Certain locations are also designated as “No Shooting” or “No Hunting” zones, particularly near residential and recreational areas. In addition, anyone wishing to discharge a firearm on private property must have the landowner’s permission and comply with all applicable local bylaws.
Most animals infected with CWD won’t show symptoms, but if you see a deer, elk, moose or caribou that appears sick—showing weight loss, drooling, poor coordination or stumbling—report it immediately to the 24/7 Report All Poachers and Polluters Line at 1-877-952-7277 or the B.C. Wildlife Health Program.
Find more information about chronic wasting disease.
e-KNOW file photo
Map courtesy Province of British Columbia, Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
City of Cranbrook
