A rare, targeted deer hunt is beginning today (Jan. 5) around the outskirts of Cranbrook and will continue until Jan. 31.
The hunt aims to limit the spread of chronic wasting disease among wildlife in southeastern B.C.
The disease was detected in the region in 2024, and there have now been six confirmed cases in the province.
Chronic wasting disease is fatal and affects animals in the deer family, including mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, moose, and caribou.
According to the B.C. government, Cranbrook has become the centre of confirmed cases, raising concerns about the risk to local deer and elk populations.
Licensed hunters will be permitted to harvest one additional deer between Jan. 5 and Jan. 31, in addition to the regional limit.
Provincial officials say fewer than one per cent of deer in the Cranbrook area are currently estimated to be infected.
The City of Cranbrook is reminding hunters to be aware of municipal boundaries and to follow all government regulations.
For more information, visit: City of Cranbrook – Provincial Deer Hunt Around Cranbrook January 2026 Expected To Draw Hunters From Across BC.
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