Attention

This content is based on the 2026–2028 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis. Check current regulations before hunting.

Small Game Hunting on Vancouver Island

Small game hunting includes species that are legally classified as small game or game birds, rather than animals defined by a particular size or weight. Common examples include upland game birds such as pheasant and grouse, migratory game birds such as ducks and geese, as well as snowshoe hare and raccoon.

Legal hunting methods vary by species and may include shotguns, rifles, air rifles, or archery equipment where permitted. Migratory game birds are subject to additional federal requirements, including rules for shotgun use and non-toxic shot. Hunters should always confirm the legal method and ammunition requirements for the species they intend to pursue.

Small game may be harvested for food, hides, recreation, wildlife management, or other lawful purposes. Regardless of the reason for hunting, all activities must comply with the applicable British Columbia Hunting and Trapping Regulations, including open seasons, bag and possession limits, licence requirements, legal hunting methods, protected areas, access restrictions, and other applicable rules.

Because regulations vary by species and location, hunters should review the current rules and any applicable Management Unit or special-area restrictions before heading into the field.

Small Game Animals on Vancouver Island

According to BC Law, hunting small game on Vancouver Island can be done for particular species. Among them are game birds, raccoons, and snowshoe hares.

Duck and Goose Hunting

Waterfowl hunting on Vancouver Island includes duck and goose hunting. Lakes, rivers, and wetlands are among the landmarks that hold ample numbers of these migratory game birds. Their hunting potential initially generated interest in game birds.

Grouse Hunting

For small game hunters, it is recommended to choose first the upland game birds and then select grouse, curious, and sometimes dumb birds. The profusion and also their density have turned them into one of the most challenging choices for harvesting on Vancouver Island.

Pheasant Hunting

Pheasants are non-native game birds on Vancouver Island. Appropriate habitat conditions help the population of pheasant flourish on southern Vancouver Island, making it one of the best pheasant hunting destinations in North America.

Snowshoe Hare Hunting

The snowshoe hare is one of North America's most widespread small game, but not that much on Vancouver Island. The snowshoe hare has the winner population in each province, and accordingly, its hunting is popular amongst the locals.

Raccoon Hunting

Vancouver Island has all the criteria of a raccoon habitat, so their population is pretty significant, whereas raccoon hunting is mainly done for fur. It is estimated that there are 238 raccoons per square kilometre. The raccoon population on the east coast is denser than on the west coast.

Band-tailed Pigeon Hunting

Some bird hunters say that band-tails are challenging to shoot. Band-tailed pigeon hunting will surprise hunters as it is harder than one may imagine. These migratory game birds fly fast, so don't skip this chance if you think you are talented.

Small Game Hunters on Vancouver Island

Hunters need to obtain permissions such as Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Permit and also licence. It would be best to take a few pieces of equipment to locate, hide, shoot, and recover birds. You may have challenges harvesting some game birds, but your patience ends in delicious wild game meats. Among them are snowshoe hares, as they are speedy and almost invisible in the snow. Trained hunting dogs would be helpful in your hunting trip when you cannot easily spot your small game. It needs to be patient and take time to locate or track and finally have a successful harvest.
According to the hunting and trapping synopsis, all hunters (residents, non-residents and non-resident aliens) must obtain an FWID (BC Fish and Wildlife ID) to access hunting programs and services in BC. Hunters with a Hunter Number were assigned an FWID. Hunters who do not already have a B.C. Fish and Wildlife ID (FWID) must register for one through WILD or an authorized service location. After creating an FWID profile, hunters must establish their identity and residency status. Proof of hunter safety training is required to purchase most hunting licences, except where an exemption applies. Proof of hunter safety training includes:

A Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Education (CORE) certificate.
A document issued by another territory or province of Canada.
A government of an international jurisdiction evidencing successful completion of a hunter safety training course.

Small Game Hunting Seasons on Vancouver Island

Spring Hunts

Summer Hunts

Fall Hunts

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Winter Hunts

Species are listed when a legal hunting opportunity occurs during any part of the season. Exact dates, Management Units, bag limits, hunting methods, and area restrictions apply.

Vancouver Island Small Game Outfitters

According to the British Columbia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis, non-resident and non-resident alien hunters may hunt small game unaccompanied if they hold an unrestricted hunting licence. Hunters holding a restricted non-resident or non-resident alien licence must be accompanied by a guide outfitter, assistant guide outfitter, or a holder of a valid Permit to Accompany.
Whether you are pursuing small game or big game, working with an experienced outfitter can make your hunting tour more organized and enjoyable. Outfitters understand local terrain, seasonal wildlife movement, suitable weather conditions, feeding areas, and habitat, helping hunters focus their time on productive locations.

Depending on the hunting package, outfitters may also assist with scouting, transportation, equipment, and field logistics. Their local knowledge can help hunters locate suitable hunting areas, understand applicable regulations, and prepare properly for changing field conditions.

For hunters unfamiliar with the area or without all the necessary equipment, a knowledgeable outfitter can provide valuable support and help make the overall hunting experience safer, more efficient, and more rewarding.

Small Game Hunting Methods on Vancouver Island

Imagine that your species is in front of you. It is time to apply all the knowledge and skills you have to harvest it. Do you use decoys? Do you need a dog to recover your hunt? How do you kill it? You have been prepared for this moment, and your shot will end your hunting trip. How would you do that?

Rifles

Legal rifle use depends on the species. Raccoon and snowshoe hare may be hunted with legal rimfire or centrefire rifles. Grouse may also be hunted with rimfire or centrefire rifles where otherwise permitted. Rifle use is more restricted for other upland game birds, and migratory game birds may not be hunted with rifles. Always confirm the legal hunting method for the species before hunting.

Shotgun Hunting

Shotguns are commonly used for hunting upland and migratory game birds, but ammunition requirements vary by species. Grouse and pheasant may be hunted with legal shotguns during their applicable open seasons.

When hunting migratory game birds such as ducks and geese, the shotgun must not be larger than 10 gauge or loaded with a single projectile, and hunters must comply with applicable federal non-toxic-shot requirements. Always select legal ammunition appropriate for the species being hunted.

Hunting with Falconry

Falconers on Vancouver Island, holding a valid permit and the necessary hunting licence(s), may hunt small game with the use or aid of raptors during each species' open seasons or bow-only seasons. Grouse, pheasants, and snowshoe hares are among the small game animals you can hunt with falconry.

Archery Hunting

Bowhunting (or bow hunting) for birds that fly long-distance is challenging, and you may not consider it your small game hunting method. But as bows make no sounds when shooting, you may still have multiple chances after your first hunt. For some species, this traditional method has a separate open season or even no bag limit.

Hunting with Decoys

Decoys are manufactured products that simulate the appearance of your game. The famous small game you can use this method for hunting are waterfowls like ducks and geese. Decoys cause them to come in and land where you want. In BC, it is unlawful to use live birds as decoys.

Calling

Calls are commonly used when hunting species such as ducks and geese. Hunters may use legal non-electronic calling methods, but recorded or electronic bird calls may not be used to hunt game birds.

Hunting with Dogs

Dogs may be used to hunt small game, and unleashed dogs may be used where otherwise legally permitted. Hunting dogs may also be trained, under supervision, by allowing them to pursue game birds from August 1 to April 30.

Trapping and Snaring

Raccoon trapping is regulated separately from raccoon hunting. Anyone trapping raccoons must hold the appropriate trapping licence or authorization and comply with applicable trapline, trap-checking, trapping-season, and certified-trap requirements.

Snowshoe hare is a special case: a person may snare snowshoe hare during its open season if they hold a hunting licence and have completed the Trapper Education Program. The snare must be non-braided and no heavier than 20 gauge.

Hunting from a Blind

Some ways of hunting from a blind like blinds treestand or ground blind can be available on request for small game such as duck and goose and grouse. We offer ground blinds for some who cannot hunt from a tree stand. Guides try to keep very close contact with you while you are on a stand.

Small Game Hunting Cost on Vancouver Island

Your hunting trip may take one day or two. Your small game hunting package can include a licence, cleaning and packaging, and equipment. So, the price of your small game hunting tour may increase according to your expectations. Among the cheapest animals to hunt on Vancouver Island are snowshoe hare and pheasant.
For more information regarding the cost of your personalized small game hunting adventure on Vancouver Island, please get in touch with us.

Small Game Customized Tours on Vancouver Island

If you are interested in hunting small game on Vancouver Island, please fill in the form below. We at Vanisle Hunters offer custom tours and exclusive hunting trips at their best. Choose the small game you are interested in, where and when you plan to start your hunting trip, how long you need to be in nature, mention the number of your companions, and add any other options you want to match your desire and exceed your expectation. We will schedule a call or message to discuss your interests and how we can make them a reality. After that, we will send you a proposed package and fine-tune it until it's what you want with a competitive price.

Name

E-mail Address

Phone Number

Date of Birth

Hunting Start Date

Hunting End Date

BC Resident

Game to Hunt

Bear

Cougar

Deer

Elk

Wolf

Duck & Goose

Grouse

Pheasant

Snowshoe Hare

Raccoon

Band-tailed pigeon

Guiding Preference

Do You Have a Fish & Wildlife ID

Your Preferred Hunting Area

Number of Hunters

Number of Non-hunters

Your Preferred Hunting Methods

Any other Information

Disclaimer

Small Game Hunting Gear on Vancouver Island

Before heading out for hunting on Vancouver Island, it is necessary to prepare a checklist of what you need. First of all, having a backpack is required for your equipment. Your clothes may include hiking boots, waterproof pants and jacket, socks, hunting pants, short-sleeve shirt, long-sleeve shirt, gloves, hat, and layer clothing. As you may spend hours or days in nature, don't forget about camping items and food or snacks. Your hunting equipment may include a legal rifle, shotgun, or archery equipment depending on the species, along with appropriate legal ammunition or shot. Migratory bird hunters must comply with applicable non-toxic-shot requirements. Binoculars, duffle bags, and tracking tools can also be on your hunting list.

Big Game vs. Small Game Hunting on Vancouver Island

Some hunters prefer to go after small game, and others may favour big game. Choosing between them mostly depends on your purpose, price, licence, skill, and the potential of the area you want to hunt.

1. Big game hunting is a type of hunting ideal for hunting large animals almost over 40 pounds (18 kg) in weight.
2. Hunting big game generally can be done with more powerful guns.
3. A licence for harvesting a specific big game is more expensive rather than small game.
4. Many hunters tend to choose their hunt among big game animals to have a trophy.

1. Small game hunting is a type of hunting that includes animals that are small in size. They are generally under 40 pounds (18 kg).
2. Hunting methods for small game are guns like 20-gauge shotguns and other smaller firearms.
3. The price of a licence for hunting small game tends to be less expensive than a big game hunting licence.

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Small Game Regulations on Vancouver Island

Hunting regulations may change. Hunters are responsible for checking the current Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis and any in-season updates before hunting.
Snowshoe hare and raccoon are Schedule B wildlife. On private land, they may be captured or killed without a hunting licence or open season only for the purpose of protecting property. On Crown land, hunters must follow the applicable open seasons and all other hunting regulations. If a person injures Schedule B wildlife, they must kill that animal.
Falconry is permitted for small game. Falconers holding a valid possession permit may hunt small game with raptors during applicable regular or bow-only seasons, provided they hold the required hunting licence or licences and comply with applicable bag limits.
Dogs may be used for small-game hunting. Unleashed dogs may be used where otherwise legally permitted. Hunting dogs may also be trained, under supervision, by allowing them to pursue game birds from August 1 to April 30.
There is no open season for upland game birds, including grouse, pheasant, and quail, on Denman Island.
When hunting migratory game birds, including ducks, geese, and Band-tailed Pigeons, hunters must carry a valid Canadian Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit in addition to any required provincial hunting licence.
Wireless cameras may not be used for the purpose of hunting.
Hunters must observe legal hunting hours. Migratory game birds may not be hunted from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. Other game may not be hunted from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise.

Hunting is prohibited in national parks and ecological reserves. Hunting restrictions vary among BC Parks, so hunters must verify whether hunting is permitted in a specific provincial park before entering the field. Local no-hunting, no-shooting, access, and municipal restrictions may also apply.

North Island

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Pacific Rim

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Gulf Islands

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Central Vancouver Island Protected Areas

Central Island

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South Island

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Greater Victoria

Licence for Hunting Small Game on Vancouver Island

To obtain an unrestricted non-resident/non-resident alien hunting licence, you must show proof of successful completion of hunter safety training. Non-residents can hunt small game unaccompanied if hunting under a non-resident or non-resident alien unrestricted licence. Individuals hunting under a non-resident or non-resident alien restricted licence must be accompanied by a guide outfitter, an assistant guide outfitter or a holder of a permit to accompany at all times while hunting.

A separate species licence is not required for small game. Non-B.C. residents who hunt upland game birds require a $50 Upland Game Bird Licence in addition to the applicable hunting licence. Migratory game birds require the separate federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit.

For more information about small game licences on Vancouver Island, visit the Hunting Licence on Vancouver Island.

Small Game Hunting on Vancouver Island

Duck and Goose Hunting

Grouse Hunting

Pheasant Hunting

Snowshoe Hare Hunting

Raccoon Hunting

Band-tailed Pigeon Hunting

Small Game Hunters on Vancouver Island

Small Game Hunting Seasons on Vancouver Island

Spring Hunts

Summer Hunts

Fall Hunts

Winter Hunts

Vancouver Island Small Game Outfitters

Small Game Hunting Cost on Vancouver Island

Small Game Customized Tours on Vancouver Island

Small Game Hunting Gear on Vancouver Island

You May also Be Interested in These Hunting Tours

Salish Sea Duck Hunting (Fall-Winter 2025)

Fall Raccoon Hunting (2025)

Winter Duck & Goose Hunting (2025)

Spring Bear Hunting (2025)

Small Game Regulations on Vancouver Island

North Island

Pacific Rim

Gulf Islands

Central Island

South Island

Greater Victoria

Licence for Hunting Small Game on Vancouver Island

Small Game Hunting on Vancouver Island Common Questions

What is considered small game hunting?

What animals are considered small game?

What is the difference between hunting small game and big game?

What small animals can you hunt on Vancouver Island?

What is the hardest small game to hunt?

What small game can you hunt year-round on Vancouver Island?

What is a good small game species for beginner hunters?

What is the cheapest small game to hunt on Vancouver Island?

What is a small game hunter?

What do you use for small game hunting?

What Do You Think about Small Game Hunting on Vancouver Island