The Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Education (CORE) program is British Columbia’s hunter education program. The BC Wildlife Federation (BCWF) operates the CORE Program on behalf of the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations. The CORE course covers safe firearms handling, conservation, ethics, law & regulations, first aid & survival, and bird and animal identification. This course is required for BC residents 18+ years to obtain a BC Hunting Licence.
The CORE includes both a practical firearm handling test, and a written exam. We strongly encourage students to pre-read the manual as well as complete the chapter reviews for the greatest likelihood of passing examinations.
The course fee includes tuition and one exam attempt. Manuals and BCWF licence fees are extra.
YOUTH: BCWF allows children as young as 10 to take the course, however, we request that a paying adult accompany children under the age of 14 years as the days are long and the student may need assistance with reading and comprehension of course materials. Regardless of age, all students receive the same examination. Parents are not allowed to assist with examinations. The course reading and comprehension level is a minimum of grade eight and in English. (More information about reading and comprehension minimum of grade eight: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/education/administration/kindergarten-to-grade-12/performance-standards/reading/reading_g8.pdf)
Student Requirements
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Pick up manuals ahead of time to pre-read. Review the chapter tests to assess knowledge before course attendance.
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Photo ID is required to be presented at the start of the course.
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Upon successful completion of the course, students will be provided with the documentation that they then must submit to BCWF along with $30 to obtain their license.
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Students from outside BC must show proof of 6 months of residency to obtain a BC hunting licence.
* Note: The practical exam may be waived with proof of a successful Canadian Firearms Exam Course Report. (Please note: a PAL is no longer accepted as proof of passing the Firearms Course.)
BCWF CORE Hunter process: https://bcwf.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/CORE-Steps-Infographic-8.5-%C3%97-11-in.pdf
Visit our registration page for course locations, times and fees.