BC Bowhunting Season 2026-2027: Dates by Region and Where to Practice

BC's bow-only deer seasons for 2026 and 2027 come from the 2026-2028 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis, which runs from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2028. In most regions, bucks open to bows on Sept 1 and close on Sept 9. Vancouver Island starts sooner, on Aug 25. Your exact dates depend on your Management Unit (MU).

When does bow season open in BC?

It opens in late summer, so look up your MU in the synopsis first and then read the row for the animal you want to hunt. Two hunters a few hours apart can have different dates.

What are the bow-only dates by region?

Most regions share the same September window for bucks. Here is what each one adds or changes.

Region 1, Vancouver Island: Deer bucks and black bear open to bows on Aug 25, a week ahead of most of BC, and close on Sept 9. That covers MUs 1-1 to 1-15. The Gulf Islands in MU 1-1 (except Gabriola Island), zone B of MU 1-5, and Denman and Hornby Islands in MU 1-6 get no bow-only season at all.

Region 2, Lower Mainland: Black-tailed bucks and black bear get Sept 1 to Sept 9 in MUs 2-2 to 2-19. Bowen Island, in MU 2-16, keeps its bow-only buck season open all the way to Dec 15.

Region 3, Thompson: Mule deer and white-tailed bucks follow the Sept 1 to Sept 9 pattern. This cycle brings something new. Bowhunters now get a December hunt for white-tailed deer of either sex, from Dec 11 to Dec 20.

Region 4, Kootenay: The same September window covers mule deer and white-tailed bucks in MUs 4-1 to 4-9 and 4-14 to 4-40. White-tailed deer of either sex open to bows again from Dec 1 to Dec 20.

Region 8, Okanagan: In MUs 8-1 to 8-15 and 8-21 to 8-26, the September window covers mule deer bucks, white-tailed bucks and 6 point elk bulls. The December white-tailed hunt for either sex runs Dec 1 to Dec 20 here too.

Each region has more rows than this, so read the whole table for your MU and check its bag limit before you go. Then check it again.

Can I still bowhunt this year?

Yes, if you hunt in the Kootenay, the Okanagan or the Thompson. Their December seasons are still ahead, and so is the last stretch of the Bowen Island season. Rules can change mid-season. The synopsis tells hunters to check gov.bc.ca/hunting for in-season changes before every hunt.

What bow do I need?

A longbow, recurve or compound must pull at least 18 kg (40 pounds) within your draw length. For big game, your arrow needs a broadhead that is at least 2.2 cm (7/8 inch) at its widest point. Crossbows have their own pull and bolt rules in the synopsis, and they are allowed during special bow-only seasons.

What do I need before I buy a licence?

You need a Fish and Wildlife ID (FWID). It is free. Anyone who is 10 or older can get one online or in person at a Service BC or FrontCounter BC office. To buy most hunting licences, you also need proof that you passed hunter safety training, such as a CORE certificate.

Where can I practice before the season?

Each of these clubs has a listing on Archery Ranges Canada, and we checked every fact below on the club's own website.

Cowichan Bowmen, Duncan (Region 1): The club is at 3044 Doupe Road. Its members shoot indoor and outdoor targets, go to 3D events and hunt with every type of bow. Some come only to hone their hunting skills.

Burke Mountain Archers, Coquitlam (Region 2): The course climbs the mountain at 5000 Upper Harper Road, and it is open all year. Broadheads go in the broadhead sandpit and nowhere else. New members take an orientation first, on Thursdays at 7 pm. Not a member yet? You can shoot as the guest of one if you buy a day card. The club also holds 3D fun shoots that anyone can enter.

SOSA Archers, Oliver (Region 8): Members can use the outdoor range every day unless a special event closes it. The sand pit is the only place you can shoot broadheads, and there is a butt built for crossbows. Indoor nights run at the Air Cadet hangar, 5856 Cessna Street. Adults shoot on Mondays from 6 to 8 pm, and youth and families shoot on Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 pm. Call or email the club before your first visit.

Log your practice before opening day

Practice only helps if you can see it working. Our free archery scoring app runs in your browser, so there is nothing to download. Pick a 3D round and you score each arrow on a whitetail deer or an elk, right where it hit. Your ARC Rating tracks the trend. Lower is better, and a perfect round scores 0.

Log your next practice round.

Questions bowhunters ask

When was bow season in BC in 2026?

The early bow-only buck season ran Sept 1 to Sept 9 in most regions. On Vancouver Island, it ran from Aug 25.

Is there a bow season in December in BC?

There is. The Kootenay and the Okanagan open white-tailed deer of either sex to bows from Dec 1 to Dec 20, and the Thompson added its own window this cycle.

What draw weight do I need to bowhunt in BC?

You need a pull of at least 40 pounds within your draw length. For big game, the broadhead must measure at least 7/8 inch across.

Can I use a crossbow during bow-only season in BC?

You can. The synopsis allows crossbows during special bow-only seasons, but they must meet their own pull and bolt rules.

References

Government of British Columbia. 2026-2028 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis. www2.gov.bc.ca.