Randy Newberg with a great bull.

Caribou Hunting British Columbia

Welcome to the ultimate guide to caribou hunting in British Columbia! If you’re seeking an exhilarating and unforgettable hunting experience, you’ve come to the right place. British Columbia, with its vast wilderness, has long been considered a prime destination for caribou hunting enthusiasts. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know for caribou hunting British Columbia.

From the different subspecies of caribou found in British Columbia to the best hunting seasons and locations, we’ll cover it all. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a beginner, we’ll share helpful tips, techniques, and strategies to increase your chances of a successful hunt. We’ll also delve into the necessary hunting gear, licenses, and regulations you’ll need to adhere to during your trip.

With its awe-inspiring landscapes and abundance of wildlife, British Columbia offers a truly unique and challenging hunting experience. So, buckle up and get ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime as we guide you through the ins and outs of caribou hunting in this captivating region.

CARIBOU HUNTING Guides & outfitters

Outdoors International can help you find a great British Columbia caribou hunt with a vetted outfitter that fits your expectations.

The hunt you book needs to be in an area and/or with an outfitter that would satisfy your trophy quality expectations, while also fitting your physical condition level and your budget. That’s what our service is all about. Let is know if you’d like to schedule a consultation.

Ask Us About a Hunt Request pricing and availability

Outdoors International

Discover why thousands of people have trusted Outdoors International to help plan their hunt.

Outdoors International has a team of hand-selected hunting experts to help you book your next hunt. Our job it is to help you in researching, booking and planning a great hunting trip with one of our amazing outfitter partners around the world.

My hunt was absolutely top notch.

The outfitter is a fantastic man and incredibly hard working and knowledgeable, there is no doubt he will do everything within his power to make peoples hunts successful and enjoyable. I plan to do it again with him next year for sure.

Wade Zuver

Our hunt was excellent.

We saw bucks every day along with all other sorts of wildlife. Mountain goats, bears, and foxes were common sights. Fishing and crabbing was special bonus. The food was excellent, the crew was amazing. Outdoors International did a great job of finding exactly what we were looking for.

Jesse Neveau

What an amazing experience!

The hunting lodge was out of this world!, Rooms, food and the scenery were all A+. Our guide was exceptional and had us on Shiras moose all five days. We saw over 30 total with at least 10 bulls. They had a plan for everything including taxidermy and game processing.

Kayla Redmon

A beautiful Mountain Caribou
Mountain caribou are the most commonly hunted subspecies in British Columbia.

Understanding the caribou species found in British Columbia

British Columbia is home to several caribou subspecies, each with its own unique characteristics and habitats. The two most common species found in the region are the mountain caribou and the woodland caribou.

The mountain caribou, also known as the northern caribou, thrives in high-elevation mountainous regions. These majestic animals are well-adapted to the rugged terrain and are known for their large antlers and thick fur. On the other hand, the woodland caribou is found in the boreal forests of British Columbia. They have a more compact build and smaller antlers compared to their mountain-dwelling counterparts.

To have a successful caribou hunting trip, it’s crucial to understand the behavior, habitat, and migration patterns of the specific caribou species you’re targeting. This knowledge will help you determine the best hunting locations and strategies to employ.

Premier Mountain caribou hunt in British Columbia
Caribou tags in BC are available OTC.

Hunting regulations and permits in British Columbia

Before caribou hunting British Columbia, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the hunting regulations and obtain the necessary permits. The province has strict guidelines in place to ensure the sustainability of the caribou population and promote responsible hunting practices.

To hunt caribou in British Columbia, you’ll need a valid hunting license, which can be obtained through the British Columbia Wildlife Federation or authorized vendors. Additionally, you may need specific tags or permits depending on the species and type of hunt you’re planning. Caribou tags are available over-the-counter.

It’s crucial to review the hunting regulations annually, as they may change to adapt to the population dynamics and conservation efforts. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in severe penalties, so it’s essential to be well-informed and follow the rules.

late season mountain caribou hunt in bc
Our special late season Mountain caribou hunt is a banger!

Best time and locations for caribou hunting British Columbia

British Columbia offers a vast expanse of hunting opportunities for caribou enthusiasts. The province is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from mountains to forests, providing varied habitats for different caribou species.

The best time for caribou hunting in British Columbia depends on the species you’re targeting and their migration patterns. Generally, the prime hunting seasons for mountain caribou are in the early fall and late winter when they move to lower elevations. Woodland caribou, on the other hand, can be hunted throughout the year, but their behavior may vary depending on the season.

When selecting hunting locations, it’s essential to consider factors such as accessibility, proximity to caribou habitats, and the level of hunting pressure in the area. Some popular hunting areas in British Columbia include the Cassiar Mountains, Stone Mountain Provincial Park, and the Muskwa-Kechika Management Area.

Horseback mountain caribou hunt in British Columbia
Our BC horseback caribou/moose combo hunts are very popular.

Techniques and strategies for successful caribou hunting

Caribou hunting British Columbia requires patience, skill, and knowledge of their behavior. Here are some techniques and strategies to increase your chances of a successful hunt:

  1. Glassing: Spend time glassing the terrain with your binoculars or spotting scope to locate caribou herds. Look for movement, tracks, and signs of feeding.
  2. Spot and stalk: Once you spot caribou, employ a spot and stalk technique to get within shooting range. Use natural features, such as hills and vegetation, to conceal your approach.
  3. Ambush: Set up an ambush in areas with high caribou activity, such as travel corridors or feeding grounds. Conceal yourself well and wait patiently for caribou to come within range.

It’s essential to respect the animals and their natural habitat while hunting. Practice ethical hunting, ensure clean and humane kills, and follow all regulations regarding the harvest and transportation of your game.

Conclusion and resources for caribou hunting British Columbia

Caribou hunting British Columbia offers a thrilling and challenging adventure for hunting enthusiasts. With its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and strict hunting regulations, the province provides a unique hunting experience.

In this guide, we’ve covered the various caribou species found in British Columbia, hunting regulations and permits, the best time and locations for hunting, essential gear and equipment, techniques and strategies, safety tips, trophy considerations, field dressing techniques, and responsible hunting practices.

BOOK YOUR CARIBOU HUNT

British Columbia is waiting to offer you an unforgettable caribou hunting experience.

Here are a few of our caribou hunting clients from over the years.

Let is know when you’re ready to schedule a consultation.

Outdoors International can help go caribou hunting British Columbia.

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Outdoors International
Whether it’s hunting, fishing, wingshooting, or outdoor adventure travel, our goal for you is a safe, worry free, successful trip from start to finish. Our continued success depends on giving you good advice.