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Control vertebrate pests and predators by shooting

URN: LANCS79
Business Sectors (Suites): Crofting and Smallholding,Game and Wildlife Management
Developed by: Lantra
Approved on: 2022

Overview

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This standard is about controlling vertebrate pests and predators by shooting. It relates to the work activities that you undertake to control vertebrate pests and predators using a firearm.

To meet this standard you will be able to:
• identify the presence of vertebrate pests and predators (mammals or birds)
• legally and safely shoot vertebrate pests and predators.

This standard does not replace the need for individuals to hold
a relevant shotgun/firearms licence and other licences that may be required by law.

This standard is for those who control vertebrate pests and predators by shooting. 

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

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  1. carry out the activity safely in line with the relevant health and safety requirements
  2. wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment 
  3. use relevant methods to monitor and interpret signs to determine vertebrate pest and predator activity
  4. modify monitoring activities to take account of seasonal variations, prevailing weather conditions and habitat
  5. recognise the common vertebrate pest and predator species
  6. determine when shooting would be the best course of action to deal with pests and predators, in accordance with nation-specific legislation and codes of practice on the taking of mammals and birds
  7. check whether a species-specific licence is required and confirm it is in place
  8. select the shooting method, firearm and ammunition appropriate to the vertebrate pest and predator species, the site characteristics and in accordance with current nation-specific legislation and codes of practice
  9. transport, carry and prepare the firearm and ammunition safely, in accordance with firearms’ legislation and codes of practice
  10. carry out safe loading and unloading procedures
  11. identify target species using aids, where required
  12. determine the maximum effective range of the firearm, according to the ammunition used and the target species
  13. handle the firearm safely, securely and effectively at all times, according to the relevant codes of practice
  14. aim and discharge the firearm effectively and safely to shoot the target
  15. minimise the disturbance caused to non-target species
  16. dispatch wounded vertebrate pests and predators humanely, in accordance with the nation-specific legislation and codes of practice
  17. dispose of dead vertebrate pests and predators correctly, in accordance with the nation-specific legislation and codes of practice
  18. disassemble and assemble the firearm in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and safe working practice
  19. clean, maintain and store the firearm and ammunition after use, in accordance with the relevant legislation and codes of practice
  20. maintain pest and predator control records in accordance with the relevant nation-specific legislation and codes of practice   

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

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  1. the relevant health and safety requirements and risks associated with monitoring and shooting vertebrate pests and predators, including the dangers of lone working
  2. your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and conservation legislation in relation to monitoring and control of vertebrate pests and predators
  3. the clothing and personal protective equipment that should be worn
  4. the pest and predator species covered by nation-specific requirements for general licences, when a species-specific licence is required and how to apply
  5. the relevant legal restrictions controlling the ownership and use of firearms in relation to shooting vertebrate pests and predators
  6. the legal requirements controlling the storage, transport and carriage of firearms and ammunition
  7. the effective application and ranges of firearms and ammunition
  8. how to select the correct ammunition and the current nation-specific legislation and codes of practice regarding the use of different types of ammunition, and what else should be considered
  9. the common vertebrate pest and predator species and how to recognise and interpret signs to determine pest and predator activity
  10. how to recognise target, non-target and protected species
  11. the methods of monitoring the presence of vertebrate pests and predators, including the use of technology
  12. the effects of the seasons and weather conditions on monitoring pest and predator populations and how methods can be adapted to take account of these changes
  13. the significance and potential effects of the presence of vertebrate pests and predators on the site and its purpose, and on animal and plant populations
  14. the behavioural characteristics of vertebrate pests and predators and how these can influence the effectiveness of the shooting method selected
  15. how to effectively and safely shoot both bird and mammal pest and predator species, taking account of absolute range
  16. when shooting becomes unsafe and must be stopped
  17. when night shooting is appropriate, the relevant nation-specific legislation and codes of practice that control its use and the aids that can be used to assist
  18. how to minimise the impact of shooting on non-target species
  19. how to humanely dispatch different vertebrate pest and predator species
  20. how to dispose of dispatched vertebrate pests and predators safely and in accordance with nation-specific legislation and codes of practice
  21. how to minimise the dangers of disease when handling dead animals
  22. how to disassemble and assemble firearms
  23. how to clean, inspect and maintain firearms and why this is important 
  24. the requirements for maintaining accurate and up-to-date pest and predator control records 

Scope/range

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Interpret at least five of the following signs to determine pest and predator activity:
• direct sightings
• runs
• footprints
• damage to habitat
• dead animals
• kills
• sounds
• smells
• droppings

Recognise target, non-target and protected species:  
• mammals 
• birds

Select a shooting method to take account of:
• the pest and predator type
• the characteristics of the shooting location (topography, habitat, other area activity, public access)
• the safety of yourself, other participants and the public

Scope Performance

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

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Vertebrate pests and predators –  non-exhaustive examples could include rabbits, stoats,  weasels, grey squirrels, foxes, crows, magpies, mink, rats 

Firearms – shotgun and/or rifle

Links To Other NOS

External Links

Version Number

3

Indicative Review Date

2027

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Lantra

Original URN

LANCS79

Relevant Occupations

Estate Worker, Gamekeeper, Crofter, Smallholder

SOC Code

5119

Keywords

pest; predator; vertebrate; shoot; shotgun; rifle