If you want to hunt in British Columbia, you'll need to complete CORE — the Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Education program. Here's what it is and how it works.
What is CORE?
CORE is British Columbia's official hunter education program. It teaches wildlife identification, conservation, ethics, hunting regulations, and safe firearm handling for the field. BC residents who want to buy a hunting licence must hold CORE certification.
Who needs it?
Any BC resident who wants a hunting licence and isn't already certified. CORE is open to residents 14 and up. It's separate from the PAL — many hunters take both a firearms course and CORE.
How you get certified
CORE includes a written exam and a practical firearm-handling test. We run CORE as a full weekend (or weekday) at our Surrey facility. Note that, unlike the PAL/RPAL, the CORE course manual is sold separately — you can add a printed copy at checkout so you can study before class.
PAL and CORE together
Planning to buy firearms and hunt? You'll generally want both your PAL and your CORE. You can register for each on our Courses page — add them both to your cart and check out together.
Questions? Call 604-562-7546. CORE program details are administered by the Province of BC.