Canada north of WA

[ljsommer]

Hello and apologies for the vague post,

   My friend asked me about hunting in CA as apparently the tags are quite cheap (cheaper to hunt Canada than Idaho). I was curious if anyone's had any experience north of the border? We haven't discussed specific species, but what is the general perception of say, deer/elk hunting up there? Better than WA? How's the border crossing with weapons and meat?
I've done plenty of trips to Canada but never for hunting.

I don't want to waste anyone's time, just looking for input on whether this is something I should seriously look into. I was thinking of Idaho in 2020 but it looks like Canada tags/licenses are way cheaper.

[WAcoyotehunter]

the hunting there is very good, but as a WA resident (US citizen) you cannot hunt big game in canada without a guide. 

[ljsommer]

the hunting there is very good, but as a WA resident (US citizen) you cannot hunt big game in canada without a guide.

My understanding was that if you passed hunter safety in Canada that you *could* hunt without a guide. I did some basic googling and none of the articles I found mentioned needing a guide as a legal requirement.

[greenhead_killer]

Have to be a resident to not use a guide. I’m heading up in 8 days for a trip

[Sitka_Blacktail]

Read this page. 

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/recreation/fishing-hunting/hunting/non-resident-hunting

[Bob33]

It depends on the province and specie. British Columbia:

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/recreation/fishing-hunting/hunting/non-resident-hunting

Before you hunt, make sure:

You have a Fish & Wildlife ID, residency credential and hunting credential if you plan to hunt small game unaccompanied
You have a non-resident or non-resident alien hunting licence
You have species licences for those species you intend to hunt
The species you wish to hunt are in the area you plan to hunt in
You have hired a guide outfitter, assistant guide outfitter or you are named on a Permit to Accompany when hunting big game.

[wadu1]

I've hunted Vancouver Island for deer and bear. With some help by family living and knowing the guide in his area I was able to hunt with out the big Guide prices. Had to buy a cousins deputy guide license $75, my license $180, bear tag $180, Elk tag $250 (if the guide has leftovers NO (OTC tags) and Deer tag $125 each. Now that my CDN brother in law has passed his hunter certification he could take me out without guide fees.
As for taking firearms across you need to fill out a CDN transportation form and pay at the border crossing (no big deal). Coming back across to the US, you will need to know the Latin name of your animal (Blacktail, Mule Deer or Black Bear will not work) and harvest report from the guide. You will also need to show your 5547 forms for all firearms, spotting scopes, cameras or anything of value with a SN#. Its easier getting into Canada that getting home.   

[KFhunter]

British Columbia, where the BC stands for "Bring Cash"