On Point Training also offers the CORE Hunter Safety Program. CORE stands for Conservation Outdoor Recreation Program and is BC's recognised Hunter Safety Program.
BC Residents who are 18 years of age or older and who wish to obtain a hunting licence are required to complete the CORE Program. This course is open to anyone aged 10 and older and specific youth only classes are also offered. The recommended age for a youth specific course is between 10 and 14 years of age but is dependant on the child.
The CORE program - classroom option. 16 - 18hrs of instruction time, not including breaks or examination time.
Topics covered: •
Conservation
Ethics
Law and Regulations
First Aid and Survival
Firearm Safety
Animal Identification
Bird Identification
The CORE examination can also be taken with an examiner following the self-study option. The CORE manual and the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis should be used as study tools.
The CORE Manual explains the self-study method and has sample questions to prepare you for the written examinations. A combination of reading, previous firearms handling experience and training, or tutoring maybe required to prepare you for the firearms practical examination.
You may also wish to try the Introduction to Hunter Education Internet course as another tool for self-study for the CORE Examinations. Check out the website www.ihea.com for more details.
Examination:
The written examination consists of 75 multiple-choice questions based on the CORE Manual and the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis.
You must obtain at least 56 points overall to pass the written examination. Supplemental information from the CORE Manual is not tested.
There is no time limit for the written examination. Upon completion of the test, the examiner will provide the results to the student. A failed exam must be retaken on a date other than the day the test was failed.
The practical firearms handling examination requires the safe handling of two of the five types of firearm actions, including the identification and loading/unloading use of dummy ammunition. A minimum score of 23 out of 30 is required for a pass. The examiner will provide the firearms.
Individuals who have satisfactorily completed the Canadian Firearm Safety Course (CFSC) need not complete the CORE practical firearm-handling examination.
You must provide your CORE Examiner with the completed CFSC report form showing successful test completion to be exempt from the practical firearms handling examination. Please note: your PAL or POL is not sufficient, a copy of your CFSC course report form must be provided.
Upon successful completion of the CORE Program and it's required examinations, you will be provided with a signed course report which you must submit to the The BC Wildlife Federation (BCWF) for processing. They will then provide you with your actual certificate. This certificate can then be used to apply for a Fish and Wildlife ID (FWID). Your FWID is a permanent number linked to your personal online profile. It replaces the old B.C. resident Hunter Number card. This is required when applying for your annual hunting licence, when applying for any Limited Entry Hunting draws or the purchase of your a tags for legal hunting in BC.
The BC Wildlife Federation (BCWF) operates the CORE Program on behalf of the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations. All CORE Examiners are appointed under provincial regulation. We are allowed to instruct classes and conduct examinations on behalf of the above.