Bear Hunting on Vancouver Island

Anything you need to know about the best time, places, outfitters, and regulations of Vancouver Island bear hunting, you can find them here. We are ready to help you make a rewarding BC hunting opportunity.

Canada is home to two bear species, black bear and brown bear (grizzly bear). Yukon is the only province where hunting grizzly bears are allowed, but you have chances to watch grizzly bears on Vancouver Island. According to British Columbia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis, there have been a number of grizzly bears sightings on northern Vancouver Island in recent years. Appropriate safety precautions should be taken, and hunters are reminded that there is no open season for grizzly bears in BC. In contrast, hunters have the opportunity of hunting black bears in different provinces and territories with variable prices, distribution, and hunting methods. Hunting is an integral part of North American culture.
Canada is one of the places on the planet most abundant in black bears. As it is estimated, there are approximately 120,000 black bears in British Columbia and over 7,000 black bears on Vancouver Island. That is why Vancouver Island is one of the densest places in the world for hunting black bears. The hunting success rate is high in springs and falls, especially after hibernations. Chances for hunting bears in both springs and falls are equal. Hunters might have exceptional chances to break the monotony habit of hunting by harvesting bears. Vancouver Island boasts one of the most popular areas for black bear hunting in BC since it is home to a large population of magnificent black bears.

The remains of the 10,000-year-old skeleton indicate that Vancouver Island black bears have been living separately from their mainland species for a long time. Hunting bears is considered a quarry for most hunters. However, it is not honoured as equal as its value. British Columbia and Vancouver Island are the most abundant places in bear species, making them excellent places for hunters.

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* One-quarter of Canadian black bears live in Canada.
* Over 7,000 black bears are on Vancouver Island.
*  It is not unrealistic to shoot a bear of more than 2 m (7 feet).
* Black bears are usually less aggressive than grizzly bears.
* Hunting bears is a kind of sport that requires seeking, pursuing, and killing bears with firearms or bow and arrows.
* Black bears have high-quality skins.
* You would have a significant hunting concession on more than 9065 sq km (3500 sq miles).

Black bears are being chased in mountains, prairie, a vast portion of parklands, and foothills. Bears may be spotted in lower elevations near streams and rivers or open areas around clear cuts in berry patches. They may be found on mountain hills and hardwoods, showing their adaptability to survive in higher elevations. Black bears can also be seen lively playing in Tofino, Ucluelet, Campbell River, Telegraph Cove, Port McNeill, Port Hardy, Port Alberni, Nitinat, and many other pristine and semi-isolated locations. For now, the management units (MU) or the hunting areas designated by BC regulation for hunting black bears are 1-1 to 1-15 on the region 1 (Vancouver Island) map. But hunters should be aware of no hunting and shooting areas on Vancouver Island.
Locating black bears' feeding areas can be considered a leading way to hunt bears. Black bears' feeding areas vary, including berry patches, dead livestock, apple orchards, and carrion. They live in woodlands, and conflicts arise when they seek.
Black bears are opportunistic eaters. Their diet mostly consists of roots, grasses, berries, and insects. Fish, mammals, and even carrion are also their favourite food. Since they have a taste of human food or garbage, bears sometimes break into cabins, campsites, or country homes which causes dangerous contact. Since their diet is as mentioned, they might be found around streams and bodies of water, woodlands, cherry farms, and high plateaus.
According to Black Bears in British Columbia, hunting is prohibited in all national parks, ecological reserves, and some provincial parks. Also, it is illegal to shoot any two-year-old or younger bear or any bear in its company, usually its mother.

The spot and stalk method of hunting needs experienced hunters who can identify animal tracks and signs that help hunters know if there has been an animal recently. Most of the hunters prefer tracking their game instead of waiting for the game to draw to them.
Hunters choosing the bow hunting option are more inclined to track their game than rifle hunters. This is mainly for the bows being quieter and less likely to spook the game in case of the hunter's failure.
Spot and stalk hunters are required to use sparse and lightweight equipment since they should carry everything on their trip. A skilled tracker can almost guarantee to see the game.

Vancouver Island bear hunting may vary in price depending on duration, hunting methods, licence, tags, services, guide, and tax. But the cost may begin at $3,000.

According to Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis, non-resident and non-resident alien hunters are required to be accompanied by a guide outfitter, assistant guide outfitter or a holder of a permit to accompany at all times when hunting big game, regardless of the type of licence (restricted or unrestricted) they have.

To experience a successful hunting tour:
1- Plan for it in advance.
2- Choose the areas where you intend to hunt for your trophy bear hunts.
3- Apply for and obtain the necessary licence.
4- Select the right outfitter.
An outfitted hunting trip is not only for unskilled hunters. Hiring a professional outfitter or guide helps you access the best bear hunting areas and new vistas of outdoor adventure.