Every day is a school day – even for game shooters

For many of us, the close of the game shooting season is merely the beginning of the countdown to when it starts up again. The Game Shooter Certificate is perfect solution for keeping your hand in and enhancing your expertise in the field ahead of the new season rolling in, says BASC’s Gareth Dockerty.

Are you confident in your knowledge about game shooting? Do you understand the laws, and best practice for firearms legislation? Do you know how a gun or cartridge works? Can you explain shoot etiquette? How good is your understanding of the quarry list?

If you believe you know all there is to know about the fundamentals of game shooting, then please feel free to stop reading now. If you think you never stop learning or if your knowledge is a little muddled or hazy in some areas, then we might be able to help.

Knowledge aquisition

I have stood on many a game shoot and heard somebody say something with such confidence that I have internally questioned my understanding, and I have worked for BASC for nearly a decade.

Historically, much of our knowledge transfer has been peer-to-peer or passed down through the generations, this has served us well for the most part. However, there is a degree of risk here. Over time, details can become misinterpreted or altered, with facts left open to interpretation.

The traditional solution to this has been to read material on shooting and advance your knowledge, and, of course, the internet has revolutionised our approach to obtaining information. However, if the foundations aren’t built properly, the house will always be at risk, no matter how fancy the cladding or new the windows are.

A couple of years ago, BASC launched a new Game Shooter Certificate as a sensible and solid knowledge foundation, on which all other game shooting expertise could then sit.

We have now taken this popular course and turned it into an immersive and engaging online course. On average it takes around two hours to complete and gives you the confidence to improve or sense-check your knowledge in all the key areas. There is then the option to take a practical session with a BASC coach to put the theory into practice.

You can complete the theory side in your own time, from the comfort of home with a brew, or take each module on your phone while commuting. You may want to stop at the theory part and while we encourage you to undertake the practical sessions, it really is up to you.

What will I learn from the Game Shooter Certificate?

As the largest shooting organisation in the UK, we are committed to providing you with a variety of options to improve your skills and knowledge.

Below are some of the things you can expect to gain from the Game Shooter Certificate course:

The opportunity to sense-check your beliefs and understanding, against the facts and law.
The confidence to know you will be undertaking your game shooting with a safety net of training and advice.
The ability to identify poor practice or safety concerns and help to reduce any risks.
A clearer understanding of the broader benefits of game shooting and the knowledge to be an advocate for our community.
The removal of that fear of asking the wrong question or making an unknown faux pas.
Potentially, the ability to demonstrate to shoots or landowners your level of training and to provide reassurance.

The course ends with an assessment proving your knowledge is of the correct standard. The certificate you receive for passing this serves as a badge of achievement.

How much does the Game Shooter Certificate course cost?

The course costs £150 per person, which includes the online theory aspect and optional practical session. This is potentially a very small price to pay for peace of mind and confidence in your knowledge about an activity which brings us so much joy and many broader benefits.

There is also the option to book onto our traditional two-day in person course at £195 per person; the choice is yours.

The Game Shooter Certificate course is open now for bookings. You can find out more and secure your place here.

Gareth Dockerty

Gareth is Executive Director of shooting operations at BASC. Having joined the organisation in 2016, Gareth’s role focuses on ensuring decision makers, stakeholders and the public understand the benefits of shooting for upland habitats and rural communities.