Shooting enthusiasts are being encouraged to use lockdown to put their knowledge to the ultimate test and with a free Accredited Game Shot test run by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT).
More than 6,000 people have now taken the test, with a surge of new applicants in the wake of lockdown restrictions. The test was written by a team of experts at the GWCT and is based on their bestselling book, The Knowledge: Every Gun’s Guide to Conservation. The test is completely free and is available at www.gwctknowledge.com.
The test includes 25 multiple-choice questions, which ask guns about their shoots and 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. 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, with different questions each time.
Feedback to the test so far includes: “Everyone who wishes to be a true sportsman in the field this season needs to take this test and become an accredited game shot” and “This really made me think – it’ll change how I view my shooting next season.”
Beat the lockdown blues – get your friends involved
The GWCT has been contacted by members using the test as a lockdown challenge amongst their friends, family and syndicate. They have been pitting their wits against each other, seeing who is able to get the highest pass mark and having fun along the way. Let us know what fun ways you have been using the test on Facebook, Twitter or by emailing editor@gwct.org.uk.
Have you got what it takes to be the best?
With a flurry of new entrants, we have launched the GWCT 100 Club, designed for those who achieve a 100% pass rate. So far, fewer than 100 people have been able to get all 25 questions correct. Are you up for the challenge? Share your certificate with pride and show the world that you know your stuff.
Take the test now FREE >
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