Cranbrook reminds hunters of regulations as provincial deer hunt approaches

A provincially mandated deer hunt set for January 5 to 31, 2026, around the outskirts of Cranbrook, is expected to attract hunters from across British Columbia.

The hunt was announced in early October by the BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship.

Provincial officials say the initiative is designed to lower deer density in the Cranbrook area, remove potentially sick animals, and increase sampling to monitor for the presence of chronic wasting disease (CWD).

Officials add the disease poses a serious threat to deer and other cervid populations and could impact hunting opportunities, ecosystems, and the cultural, recreational, and food resources communities rely on.

(Photo: Province of British Columbia, Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship.)

The City of Cranbrook is reminding hunters to follow all provincial and municipal regulations, including:

• Knowing and respecting municipal boundaries

• No hunting on private property without landowner permission

• No hunting in restricted areas, including the Cranbrook Community Forest

• Compliance with Firearms Bylaw 4220, which prohibits using firearms or bows anywhere within city limits (violations may result in fines up to $5,000 or six months in jail)

Provincial Closed Areas Regulations also prohibit shooting:

• Within 100 metres of homes, schools, parks, churches, or occupied areas

• On or across numbered highways and provincially maintained roads

• In designated No Shooting/No Hunting zones, especially near residential and recreational areas

Hunters and the public are encouraged to report wildlife showing possible signs of CWD–such as weight loss, drooling, or poor coordination–to the Report All Poachers and Polluters Line (1-877-952-7277) or the BC Wildlife Health Program.

The full map outlining boundaries can be viewed here.