Wild Game Species

The Canada Goose is a native waterfowl species in British Columbia, widely distributed across coastal areas, lakes, rivers, wetlands, and agricultural fields. While native, some populations—especially urban and resident flocks—are managed due to overabundance and conflicts with humans, making them a regulated hunting species in the province.

The White-fronted Goose, also called the Greater White-fronted Goose, is a migratory waterfowl species that regularly occurs in British Columbia during spring and fall migration. They are less common than Canada Geese but are a managed hunting species in specific areas where populations are monitored and sustainable harvest is allowed.

Ross’s Goose is a small migratory waterfowl species that passes through southern British Columbia during spring and fall migration. While generally less abundant than Snow and White-fronted Geese, it is recognized as a managed hunting species in certain areas where populations are monitored to ensure sustainability.

There are technically two types of snow geese. Lesser Snow Geese, and Greater Snow Geese. Greater Snow Geese can travel up to 1,000 km non-stop. At one day old they can walk around 30 km.

The Northern Pintail is a migratory dabbling duck common in southern BC wetlands, agricultural fields, and estuaries during fall and spring migration. It is a regulated hunting species, with populations monitored to ensure sustainable harvest.

The American Coot is a common waterbird in BC, found in freshwater lakes, ponds, marshes, and reservoirs. Though native, coots are regulated as a hunting species in certain areas to manage populations and protect wetland habitats.

The Mourning Dove is a native migratory species in British Columbia, found primarily in southern BC, including the Okanagan, Lower Mainland, and Vancouver Island, especially in open fields, farmlands, and suburban areas. It is a regulated game bird, commonly hunted for sport during autumn and winter.

The Wild Turkey is an introduced game bird in British Columbia, primarily found in southern regions such as the Fraser Valley, Okanagan, and parts of Vancouver Island, where they were released for sport hunting and population management. Populations are monitored and regulated, as turkeys can impact local ecosystems and agricultural areas if numbers grow unchecked.

The California Quail is an introduced game bird in British Columbia, primarily found in southern regions including the Okanagan, lower Fraser Valley, and southern Vancouver Island. They were introduced for sport hunting and have established self-sustaining populations in suitable habitats, particularly dry shrublands, grasslands, and agricultural edges.

The Ring-necked Pheasant is an introduced game bird in British Columbia, originally brought from Asia for sport hunting. It is widely established in southern BC, particularly in agricultural areas, grasslands, and open fields, and is a popular target species for hunters.

The Gray Partridge, also called the Hungarian Partridge, is an introduced game bird in British Columbia, brought from Europe for sport hunting. Populations are primarily found in southern BC grasslands, agricultural fields, and open habitats, where they are managed as a regulated hunting species.

The Chukar Partridge is an introduced game bird in British Columbia, originally brought from Eurasia for sport hunting. It is established in southern BC, particularly in dry, open grasslands, rocky slopes, and agricultural field edges, and is managed as a regulated hunting species.