one thing to note.... you DO need your CORE course to obtain a hunter number card, which in turn enables you to buy a liscence each year. If you are hunting with someone who has a valid firearms liscence, you do not need one right away.... but read the regs on this, you have to be right with that person much like at the gun range as a visitor. You can also hunt with a bow without a firearms liscence but that may not be up your alley and is not the best way to go after birds.... though some would argue i'm sure..... any bow purists out there?
ALSO if you intend to hunt waterfowl in the lowermainland you need to have a migratory game bird liscence AND personal liability insurance which enables you to purchase a "Fraser Valley Special Area" liscence.
there are many good instructors out there, best way to hook up with one is either huntbc.com or call around to your local rod and gun clubs, sportsman associations or better yet your local gunshop if you have one.
I took my course through Stellios Saffroni in langley, top notch instructor for both courses.