What is a Professional Contract Shooter?
A professional contract shooter is engaged in the humane destruction of pest animals, often under contracts with landowners, councils, or government agencies. Their role is crucial in managing invasive species and protecting agriculture and biodiversity.
How To Become a "Professional Shooter" in NSW
🎯 Step 1: Complete the AHCPMG304 Course
The AHCPMG304 – Use Firearms to Humanely Destroy Animals course is a nationally accredited unit that equips individuals with the skills and knowledge to euthanise animals using firearms appropriately. This training is essential for those aiming to work as professional shooters in pest management.Courses Australia+3Training.gov.au+3Impact Firearms Training+3
Course Overview
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Content: Covers planning shooting activities, understanding animal behaviour, firearm safety, and humane destruction techniques.
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Delivery: Offered as a one-day course combining theoretical and practical assessments.
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Requirements: Participants must hold a current firearms licence and provide their own firearm and ammunition for the practical assessment.
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Outcome: Upon successful completion, participants receive a Statement of Attainment for AHCPMG304 - Use Firearms to Humanely Destroy Animals.
For more details and enrolment, visit the Firearm Safety & Training Council.
🔐 Step 2: Obtain the Appropriate Firearms Licence
In NSW, possessing and using firearms legally requires obtaining the correct licence category, each corresponding to specific firearm types and uses.
Licence Categories
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Category A: Air rifles, rimfire rifles (excluding semi-automatic), and shotguns (excluding pump-action, lever-action, or semi-automatic).
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Category B: Muzzle-loading firearms (excluding pistols), centre-fire rifles (excluding semi-automatic), and shotgun/centre-fire combinations.
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Category C: Self-loading rimfire rifles with a magazine capacity of no more than 10 rounds, self-loading or pump-action shotguns with a magazine capacity of no more than 5 rounds.
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Category D: Self-loading centre-fire rifles, self-loading or pump-action shotguns with a magazine capacity of more than 5 rounds.
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Category H: Pistols.
For a comprehensive breakdown, refer to the NSW Police Firearms Registry Fact Sheet. by clicking here
Application Process
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Eligibility: Must be at least 18 years old and a resident of NSW.
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Genuine Reason: Provide valid reasons such as vertebrate pest animal control or business/employment purposes.
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Special Need: For categories beyond A, demonstrate a special need for the firearm type.
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Training: Complete a firearms safety training course.
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Application: Submit an application through Service NSW with the required documentation and fees.
📄 Step 3: Demonstrate Genuine Reason and Special Need
To obtain a firearms licence, applicants must provide evidence of a genuine reason and, for certain categories, a special need.Criminal Defence Lawyers Australia
Genuine Reasons
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Vertebrate Pest Animal Control: Engagement in controlling pest animals on rural land.
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Business or Employment: Use of firearms is necessary for one's occupation, such as professional contract shooting.NSW PoliceNSW Police
Supporting documentation, such as contracts or letters from employers or landowners, may be required.NSW Police
📝 Step 4: Maintain Compliance and Renewals
Holding a firearms licence entails ongoing responsibilities:
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Compliance: Adhere to all conditions stipulated in the licence, including safe storage and usage regulations.
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Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate records of firearm usage, especially for professional purposes.
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Renewals: Ensure timely renewal of licences and accreditations, including periodic re-accreditation for courses like AHCPMG304.Firearm Safety & Training
🚀 Conclusion
Embarking on a career as a professional contract shooter in NSW involves dedicated training and strict adherence to legal requirements. By completing the AHCPMG304 course and securing the appropriate firearms licence, individuals can contribute significantly to pest management and environmental conservation efforts.
For more information and resources:
Stay informed and compliant to ensure a responsible and impactful career in professional shooting.