SHOOTING enthusiasts can put their knowledge to the ultimate test and become an Accredited Game Shot by partaking in a test launched this week by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT).
A team of experts at the Trust have written a series of game management questions, which are based on the new publication, The Knowledge: Every Gun’s Guide to Conservation, to test the readers.
There are 25 multiple-choice questions which ask Guns about their shoots, the ways in which a gamekeeper is a working conservationist, raises controversial issues affecting shooting and explains the way legislation and regulation covers shoot management.
GWCT’s director of communications Andrew Gilruth said: “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.”
“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.”
As well as the book, all the information you need to help earn accreditation is on our new website - www.gwctknowledge.com.
The test is currently free for GWCT members and costs £40 for non-members.
However, if you become a GWCT premium member, which costs £96, it will include the test, a free copy of The Knowledge as well as £10m public liability Insurance and a host of other benefits.
To receive your Accredited Game Shot certificate, you will need to get 80% of the questions right. If you fail at the first attempt, you may retake it a further four times.
Each certificate will remain valid for four years.
Take the test >
Notes to editors
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies. The Trust is also responsible for a number of Government Biodiversity Action Plan species and is lead partner for grey partridge and joint lead partner for brown hare and black grouse.
For information, contact:
Eleanor Williams
Telephone: 07592 025476
Email: press@gwct.org.uk