A two-day in-person workshop to develop your hunting field skills
The BCWF Learn To Hunt Academy is an immersive hunter education program that will help you gain all the practical skills, knowledge, and confidence to be a safe and successful hunter in BC. Whether you’re brand new to hunting or looking to further develop your hunter competencies, this workshop provides the opportunity to learn hands-on skills from local experts.
Learn to Hunt Academy List
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Instruction Modules
Module 1: Understanding BC Hunting Regulations
This unit will cover some basic information that all hunters should know before setting out to hunt in BC. We will discuss how to use the hunting/trapping synopsis, important regulations, reporting requirements, buying licences, LEH, how to cut a tag, and more. We will also touch on the steps you need to complete before becoming a registered hunter in BC.
Module 2: Choosing a Place to Hunt
Once you have all your hunting credentials and licences, its time to select where and what you want to hunt. This unit will introduce you to several game species in BC and highlight what type of habitat you are likely to find them. Participants will then learn how to use various digital maps and resources to “e-scout” locations from your home. Finally, we will discuss tips for using maps and compass for navigation that are important to understand before heading out.
Module 3: Shooting Range - Shotguns
Head out onto the range to try your hand and shotgun target shooting. We will walk participants through how to safely handle a firearm, gauge selection, shotgun chokes and their applications, and then we will get shooting! Participants will have a chance to fire a shotgun and learn how to hit a moving target safely and effectively.
Module 4: Shooting Range - Rifles
Next, we will move to the rifle range and, again, learn how to safely handle a rifle, how to sight in a rifle, and best practices for shooting long range targets. Participants will have a chance to fire a rifle and discuss when and where to use different calibre rifles for various hunting applications. Participants are not required to have a firearms licence to take part in either of the shooting activities.
Module 5: Planning & Executing Your Hunt
You’re now ready to get out in the field and get hunting! First, we will show participants different hunting strategies, discuss shot placement when lining up a shot on an animal, and walk through a real-world example of essential gear to pack for a hunt. We will have gear for participants to try out in-person to see what works best for everyone. Finally, we’ll head outdoors and search the woods surrounding the Ridgedale Rod & Gun Club for animal sign. Participants will learn what to look for and how to interpret animal sign to better understand animal behaviour and their use of the landscape.
Module 6: Wilderness Safety & First Aid
If you’re going to head out into the backcountry, there is essential safety information that you need. We will cover safety tips and best practices for avoiding injury, how deal with common field injuries if they do happen, and what to carry on remote trips into the wilderness.
Module 7: Field Dressing & Butchering A Big Game Animal
This can be one of the most intimidating aspects of beginning to hunt. Participants will learn through a hands-on demonstration how to field dress a big game animal, how to butcher yourself, and discuss the principles of proper meat care.
Program Instructors
B.C. Conservation Officer Service
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service is a public safety provider focused on natural resource law enforcement and human wildlife conflicts prevention and response. Their vision is to be a progressive and respected leader in environmental compliance and enforcement, shared stewardship, and public safety. As the leading authority on hunting laws and regulations in BC, an officer will walk workshop participants through how to be a responsible and ethical hunter, including everything from how to cut a tag to the proper field dressing procedure to comply with all transportation and reporting requirements.
Browning and Winchester Canada
Rory Gibbs, BC representative for Browning and Winchester Canada, will walk participants through safe firearms practices and help you become a proficient shooter. In addition to shooting instruction, Rory will showcase some of Browning and Winchester’s firearms to workshop participants, and will be an excellent resource to discuss calibre selection, shot placement, and all things firearms!
Alpine First Aid
Located in Courtenay, BC, Alpine First Aid offers all types of First Aid and Safety services. They specialize in offering great services at affordable prices with their team of very experienced medics and Instructors, who have worked in almost every type of industry. Apline First Aid offers First Aid courses (E.g. Canadian Red Cross Wilderness First Aid), Safety courses (e.g. ATV and UTV Operator), Rescue/Standby services, and First Aid Attendant services.
Courtenay and District Fish & Game Protective Association
Courtenay and District Fish & Game Protective Association (CDFGPA) is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization that relies on their diverse membership to support club activities. Located on the beautiful Comox Lake in BC, CDFGPA offer members opportunities to participate in Conservation Projects, multiple Shooting and Archery sections and recreation options such as Camping and a Boat Launch.
Silvercore Outdoors
Silvercore Outdoors is Canada’s premier safety training & outdoor education provider. It is their mission to help you develop the skills necessary for outdoor proficiency. Not to be bigger, stronger, or faster, but rather to be more capable and confident. Using a blend of in-person and online training – everything from firearms safety to hunter education to bear safety – Silvercore Outdoors will get you ready for whatever outdoor adventure you seek. Workshop participants will have the pleasure of receiving shooting instruction from one of Silvercore’s experienced instructors.
Dreamcatcher Holistic Health Services
Dreamcatcher Holistic Health Services is built around the core belief that wellness comes from balancing the body, mind, and soul. Indigenous-owned, and woman-owned and operated, their team utilizes the teachings of the elders and those of the indigenous communities around us to inspire, grow and heal. They offer CORE Hunter Education Courses, Canadian Firearms Safety Courses (PAL), Bushcraft Programs, Women’s Outdoor Skills Development Programs, and more!
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