LANTRA shotgun loading course
- Thread starter Jeremy
- Start date
I’ve no idea about shooting but Lantra quals are not acceptable in all work environments. The railways don’t accept Lantra chainsaw quals for one example. I don’t think that Forest England (formally the forestry commission) accept Lantra either. I don’t know if City and Guilds have a shotgun qualification but if they do in my experience it would be a much better qualification to get.
Cheers Glen. I didn't know that but it appears to the standard in shotgun loading and is endorsed by BASC. The quality of the teacher is also key and Ann Litchfield will be leading the course.
www.gamebirdshooting.com/about/#/ms/content/!members
I've not been on the course but I know Guy one of the coaches..
I've not been on the course but I know Guy one of the coaches..
It’s not a bad gig. I’ve used a loader and the going rate seems to be about £100-£125/day, plus you get grub.
I’d say you’ll be expected to do more than just load though - my loaders have been experienced shots with a good knowledge of the shoot itself
I’d say you’ll be expected to do more than just load though - my loaders have been experienced shots with a good knowledge of the shoot itself
I've done a lot of loading at shoots, grouse and pheasant.
I have no formal qualification.
The important thing to remember is that you are not their mate!
You are there to do a job. Shooting instruction is not part of that job.
The job entails getting the gun(s) and sufficient ammunition to the peg/butt, either passing a loaded gun or stuffing cartridges into an open gun, tidying up, collecting empties and cleaning the gun/kit after. A pisser if it is wet!
Sometimes loaders are also drivers so that their gun can enjoy the social side of things.
Chattering is not generally required. Obviously respond civilly to them as required, but UNWANTED advice is not usually welcome.
In some shoots you are a 'minder'...in other words, with an inexperienced shot to ensure safety for them and everyone else, and help to help them enjoy their day. This requires maturity and experience, and also a decent relationship with the shoot manager, head keeper, host, as you may have to make unpopular calls. If you feel it appropriate, advice may be welcome, but you are not a shooting instructor.
I always have a spare pair of slips, as well as a cartridge bag...surprising how often Guns turn up without. I always have several packets of disposable ear plugs in my jacket.
I am lucky in that on one of the shoots I go to I am their default loader minder stuffer, but this is a family shoot and guests are usually family or friends.
The figures quoted above are at the top end...I usually get £70/80 quid a day but this would be on top of the 'beaters' money of £50. I don't bother with that as I don't want to put my head over the HMRC parapet for a variety of reasons, but loading/minding is usually paid as a cash tip.
Some loaders/drivers I know work for a particular gun all season...this can be good if you are driving as well...you get to go to good shoots, stay in decent hotels, and get well looked after. You would need to be a decent driver if this be so!
You will probably need a shotgun certificate as you could end up looking after guns for short periods.
I suspect that the way things are going that some sort of formal qualification will become required...hopefully I will be old and time expired before that happens!
BASC occasionally run courses; these seem to revolve around LANTRA.
Membership of one of the 'shooting' bodies with insurance would also be essential.
It's a great way of enjoying being out with the shoot and fresh air for 3 months of the year....and even more so if you are able to enjoy being on a grouse moor, extending the season by a couple of months.
This season hasn't been too bad, but last season was one of the wettest I have known...decent kit and plenty of spares...I am always able to come out after lunch in a dry jacket and bonnet!
For anyone looking for decent kit, I can heartily recommend Fortis...look them up.
I have no formal qualification.
The important thing to remember is that you are not their mate!
You are there to do a job. Shooting instruction is not part of that job.
The job entails getting the gun(s) and sufficient ammunition to the peg/butt, either passing a loaded gun or stuffing cartridges into an open gun, tidying up, collecting empties and cleaning the gun/kit after. A pisser if it is wet!
Sometimes loaders are also drivers so that their gun can enjoy the social side of things.
Chattering is not generally required. Obviously respond civilly to them as required, but UNWANTED advice is not usually welcome.
In some shoots you are a 'minder'...in other words, with an inexperienced shot to ensure safety for them and everyone else, and help to help them enjoy their day. This requires maturity and experience, and also a decent relationship with the shoot manager, head keeper, host, as you may have to make unpopular calls. If you feel it appropriate, advice may be welcome, but you are not a shooting instructor.
I always have a spare pair of slips, as well as a cartridge bag...surprising how often Guns turn up without. I always have several packets of disposable ear plugs in my jacket.
I am lucky in that on one of the shoots I go to I am their default loader minder stuffer, but this is a family shoot and guests are usually family or friends.
The figures quoted above are at the top end...I usually get £70/80 quid a day but this would be on top of the 'beaters' money of £50. I don't bother with that as I don't want to put my head over the HMRC parapet for a variety of reasons, but loading/minding is usually paid as a cash tip.
Some loaders/drivers I know work for a particular gun all season...this can be good if you are driving as well...you get to go to good shoots, stay in decent hotels, and get well looked after. You would need to be a decent driver if this be so!
You will probably need a shotgun certificate as you could end up looking after guns for short periods.
I suspect that the way things are going that some sort of formal qualification will become required...hopefully I will be old and time expired before that happens!
BASC occasionally run courses; these seem to revolve around LANTRA.
Membership of one of the 'shooting' bodies with insurance would also be essential.
It's a great way of enjoying being out with the shoot and fresh air for 3 months of the year....and even more so if you are able to enjoy being on a grouse moor, extending the season by a couple of months.
This season hasn't been too bad, but last season was one of the wettest I have known...decent kit and plenty of spares...I am always able to come out after lunch in a dry jacket and bonnet!
For anyone looking for decent kit, I can heartily recommend Fortis...look them up.
Thanks, that's a great insight.
I've been extremely fortunate to have shot at the likes of Molland, Fonthills and Brigands over the years. That's given me a good experience of the role, and what it takes to be effective and value added.
Ann Litchfield is running courses at the SW Shooting School in North Devon from March so that will be the next step.
I've been extremely fortunate to have shot at the likes of Molland, Fonthills and Brigands over the years. That's given me a good experience of the role, and what it takes to be effective and value added.
Ann Litchfield is running courses at the SW Shooting School in North Devon from March so that will be the next step.
An interesting insight - thanks Gerard!I've done a lot of loading at shoots, grouse and pheasant.
I have no formal qualification.
The important thing to remember is that you are not their mate!
You are there to do a job. Shooting instruction is not part of that job.
The job entails getting the gun(s) and sufficient ammunition to the peg/butt, either passing a loaded gun or stuffing cartridges into an open gun, tidying up, collecting empties and cleaning the gun/kit after. A pisser if it is wet!
Sometimes loaders are also drivers so that their gun can enjoy the social side of things.
Chattering is not generally required. Obviously respond civilly to them as required, but UNWANTED advice is not usually welcome.
In some shoots you are a 'minder'...in other words, with an inexperienced shot to ensure safety for them and everyone else, and help to help them enjoy their day. This requires maturity and experience, and also a decent relationship with the shoot manager, head keeper, host, as you may have to make unpopular calls. If you feel it appropriate, advice may be welcome, but you are not a shooting instructor.
I always have a spare pair of slips, as well as a cartridge bag...surprising how often Guns turn up without. I always have several packets of disposable ear plugs in my jacket.
I am lucky in that on one of the shoots I go to I am their default loader minder stuffer, but this is a family shoot and guests are usually family or friends.
The figures quoted above are at the top end...I usually get £70/80 quid a day but this would be on top of the 'beaters' money of £50. I don't bother with that as I don't want to put my head over the HMRC parapet for a variety of reasons, but loading/minding is usually paid as a cash tip.
Some loaders/drivers I know work for a particular gun all season...this can be good if you are driving as well...you get to go to good shoots, stay in decent hotels, and get well looked after. You would need to be a decent driver if this be so!
You will probably need a shotgun certificate as you could end up looking after guns for short periods.
I suspect that the way things are going that some sort of formal qualification will become required...hopefully I will be old and time expired before that happens!
BASC occasionally run courses; these seem to revolve around LANTRA.
Membership of one of the 'shooting' bodies with insurance would also be essential.
It's a great way of enjoying being out with the shoot and fresh air for 3 months of the year....and even more so if you are able to enjoy being on a grouse moor, extending the season by a couple of months.
This season hasn't been too bad, but last season was one of the wettest I have known...decent kit and plenty of spares...I am always able to come out after lunch in a dry jacket and bonnet!
For anyone looking for decent kit, I can heartily recommend Fortis...look them up.
Another thing is that it is, in my opinion, important to look the part.
At least look smart and wear a collar and tie.
I'm fortunate in that, in another life, some one else paid for my kit, but I have augmented that provided, at my own expense, and have several pairs of tweed plus 4's, waistcoat, jacket and hats, all matching tweed.
The fact that you are loading implies a formal or at least semi formal setting, and nothing demonstrates professionalism more than a properly dressed loader, and as you will have seen, properly turned out shoot staff.
Sounds a bit old fashioned maybe, but so what?
Tweed kit will last a long while, even if the breeks will wear at the gusset....obviously due to the heavy burden therein....but can be kept going for several seasons.
At least look smart and wear a collar and tie.
I'm fortunate in that, in another life, some one else paid for my kit, but I have augmented that provided, at my own expense, and have several pairs of tweed plus 4's, waistcoat, jacket and hats, all matching tweed.
The fact that you are loading implies a formal or at least semi formal setting, and nothing demonstrates professionalism more than a properly dressed loader, and as you will have seen, properly turned out shoot staff.
Sounds a bit old fashioned maybe, but so what?
Tweed kit will last a long while, even if the breeks will wear at the gusset....obviously due to the heavy burden therein....but can be kept going for several seasons.
My latest client....
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