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Use shotguns and rifles safely for wildlife management and sporting purposes

URN: LANGa5
Business Sectors (Suites): Game and Wildlife Management
Developed by: Lantra
Approved on: 2022

Overview

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This standard deals with the competence required to use shotguns and rifles safely for wildlife management and sporting purposes.

It includes the safe handling, firing and maintenance of shotguns and rifles as well as the knowledge and understanding of the relevant legislation in relation to their ownership, use and security.

To meet this standard you will be able to:
• store, transport, carry, handle, load and discharge shotguns and rifles for wildlife management and sporting purposes
• select, load and unload the correct ammunition for the purpose in accordance with current legislation
• maintain shotguns and rifles used for wildlife management and sporting purposes
• abide by the current legislation relating to ownership, storage, transportation, carriage and use of shotguns and rifles for wildlife management and sporting purposes

For you to fully understand the content of the standard, and the activities it describes, it is important that you are able to understand the terms used within the standard. See the Glossary for some definitions that should help you with this.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

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  1. carry out a risk assessment of the environment where shotguns and rifles are to be used
  2. wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment for the activity
  3. transport shotguns and rifles and their ammunition safely, in accordance with the relevant legislation and codes of practice
  4. carry both unloaded and loaded shotguns and rifles safely, in accordance with relevant legislation and codes of practice
  5. select the correct ammunition according to the target species and the requirements of current nation-specific legislation and codes of practice
  6. carry out safe loading and unloading procedures for shotguns and rifles
  7. determine the maximum effective range of shotgun and rifle projectiles according to the ammunition used
  8. determine the maximum effective range of shotgun and rifle, according to ammunition used and the target species
  9. use safe stance and firing positions for the target when using shotguns and rifles for wildlife management and sporting purposes 
  10. aim and discharge shotguns and rifles safely and accurately, using rifle shooting aids where appropriate
  11. deal with a barrel obstruction or misfire 
  12. disassemble and assemble shotguns and rifles in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and safe working practices
  13. clean, inspect and maintain shotguns and rifles in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and safe working practices
  14. store shotguns and rifles and their ammunition safely and securely, in accordance with the relevant 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 the use of shotguns and rifles for wildlife management and sporting purposes, including the dangers of lone working
  2. how to select suitable clothing and personal protective equipment for the activity
  3. the relevant legal restrictions controlling the ownership and use of firearms for wildlife management and sporting purposes
  4. the legal requirements controlling the storage, transportation and carriage of firearms and ammunition
  5. the process for applying for a shotgun or sporting rifle certificate for wildlife management and sporting purposes
  6. the safety procedures for shotguns and sporting rifles
  7. the requirements for the secure and safe transportation of shotguns and sporting rifles and their ammunition
  8. the safe carrying methods for shotguns and rifles when they are loaded and unloaded and how to negotiate obstacles in the field
  9. how to select the correct ammunition for shotguns and rifles, the current nation-specific legislation and codes of practice regarding the use of different types of ammunition, and what else should be considered
  10. how to safely load and unload shotguns and rifles
  11. what to consider when selecting the firing position and stance to discharge shotguns and rifles for wildlife management and sporting purposes
  12. the aids that can be used to assist with rifle shooting and how these are used
  13. what to do in the event of a misfire of a shotgun or rifle
  14. what to do in the event of a barrel obstruction to a shotgun or rifle
  15. the main components of shotguns and rifles and how to disassemble and assemble them
  16. how to clean, inspect and maintain shotguns and rifles and why this is important 
  17. the tools and equipment required to clean and maintain shotguns and rifles
  18. the action that should be taken in the event of a fault being detected with a shotgun or rifle
  19. the requirements for the secure and safe storage of shotguns and rifles and their ammunition

Scope/range

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Use one of the following shotgun types:
• side by side
• over and under
• single barrel bolt or break action
• if a semi-automatic is used, one of the other type must also be used

Use one of the following rifle types:
• bolt action
• lever action
• if a semi semi-automatic is used one of the other type must also be used

Clean shotguns and rifles using: 
• gun oil 
• pull through or cleaning rods
• cleaning patches
• cloths
• phosphor bronze brushes   
• woollen mops 
• cleaning jags

Store guns and ammunition:
• correct type of gun safe to meet legal requirements for both shotgun and rifle  
• ammunition stored separately under lock and key 

Scope Performance

Scope Knowledge

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Shotgun types:
• range of different bore sizes  
• ammunition shot size and type of shot 

Rifle types:
• range of calibre for sporting rifles for culling small game to large game 
• ammunition types and the range of calibre  

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) –  ear and eye protection 

Rifle shooting aids e.g. rifle bipod, sticks from which to shoot rifles 

Links To Other NOS

External Links

Version Number

2

Indicative Review Date

2027

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Lantra

Original URN

LANGa5

Relevant Occupations

Estate Worker, Gamekeeper, Stalker

SOC Code

5119

Keywords

shotguns; rifles; pest control; sport shooting