Become a GWCT Accredited Grouse Shot
Game management is so much more than rearing pheasants and organising shoot days. When done well, it can have a hugely beneficial impact on the countryside. It is in the interests of those who go shooting to help prevent poor performers overshadowing the great conservation work done by others. Equally, if a shoot is already a five-star operation, it should get the recognition it deserves.
Objectives
To give Guns confidence:
- Asking appropriate questions of their own shoots or the ones they visit or buy days from.
- Appreciating the ways in which a gamekeeper is a working conservationist.
- Engaging in controversial issues affecting shooting (e.g. lead shot and the use of medication in game rearing)
- Explaining the ways legislation and regulation covers shoot management.
It is vital that a balanced case is made for gamebird management. Some notable, high profile opinions published recently have lacked this balance. As an evidence-based research organisation the GWCT would seek to put that right. With the correct knowledge, individual Guns can also help make than happen.
So how does it work?
This website and our book The Moorland Balance contain all the information you need to help you earn your accreditation via an online multiple-choice assessment costing £40 (GWCT members pay £30 – prices include VAT):
- Pay to take the test online – payments are processed securely by PayPal (which will open in a new browser window) and all payment cards are accepted – you do not need a PayPal account.
- After payment has been completed you will be redirected to the test.
- You must answer 20 out of 25 questions (80%) correctly within one hour.
- Should you not achieve this in your first attempt, you may retake it a further four times.
- On completion, your certificate will automatically be emailed to you and will remain valid for four years.
For GWCT Members
Accredited Grouse Shot Test - £30 »
For non-GWCT members
Accredited Grouse Shot Test - £40 »
Number of questions on each topic
- Lead ammunition – 2
- Gamebird releasing – 4
- Trapping – 2
- Predation control – 1
- Habitat management – 5
- Supplementary feeding – 2
- Topical issues – 3
- Disease and medication – 1
- Species specific – 3
- Regulation and monitoring – 2
How long does the certificate remain valid?
For four years. During this time, we are committed to:
- Sending you regular updates on topical game management issues.
- Providing you with a duplicate certificate, if you should require one.
- Confirming to an enquiring shoot that you hold a valid certificate.
- Asking our promotional partners to send you information updates.
How much does it cost?
£40 for four years (GWCT members pay £30 – prices include VAT). Funds are used to administer this certificate and support future scientific research.
How important are the updates?
Essential, as an accredited game shot must be updated on evolving regulation, best practice and research findings. Your accreditation will be withdrawn if we lose touch.
Can a certificate be withdrawn?
Yes. The GWCT reserves the right to withdraw any accreditation. Examples include:
- An accredited Gun is proven to have breached the Code of Good Shooting Practice or other game-related regulations.
- We suspect the online assessment was conducted by someone else.
- There has been a malicious application.
Can I send in my feedback?
Yes. We apply rigorous quality control procedures and welcome your feedback. We will use this to review the production, moderation and revision of the accreditation. Our complaints procedure can be read here. You can contact us by any of the following:
- Write: GWCT, Burgate Manor, Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 1EF
- Call: 01425 652381
- Email: info@gwct.org.uk
Data Protection
The GWCT has robust security systems to prevent assessments being accessed by unauthorised persons. For more about how we protect your personal data see our Privacy Policy here.
For GWCT Members
Accredited Grouse Shot Test - £30 »
For non-GWCT members
Accredited Grouse Shot Test - £40 »