FGASA BASIC RIFLE HANDLING COURSE

Next FGASA Basic Rifle Handling Course intake (2 days): 2 & 3 June 2012

This rifle course is designed for people aged 21 and older that have never fired a bolt action rifle before and is an excellent precursor for people also wanting to complete the FGASA Advanced Rifle Handling Certificate. This course is fully accredited by FGASA and successful students are awarded the FGASA Basic Rifle Handling Certificate. The course includes a two hour theory lecture at the rifle range, followed by the practical training (ie. two full days). Africa Nature Training is also an accredited SAPS training provider (Accreditation no. 1100618).

We start off by using a .22 working up to a .303 and .308 calibre, with your assessment being conducted using a .375 H&H Magnum. The weapons used are all in immaculate condition. All safety equipment (ear and eye protection) is also provided. The course fee includes your lecture notes, tuition, ammunition, targets, target stands, use of rifles and safety equipment and ammunition. Unlike many other rifle courses our students will spend quality time on the range and receive individual tuition and coaching, a generous amount of ammunition is allocated to each student.

The course covers the following: maintenance and care of a bolt action rifle, firearm and range safety principles, correct stance, determination of the dominant eye, how to aim, loading and firing malfunctions, parts and functions of a rifle and cartridge as well as four different shooting exercises. We also briefly cover the principles of approaching dangerous game on foot.

This rifle course is suitable for anyone who intends to do the FGASA Advanced Rifle Handling Certificate and has not handled a rifle before...or it can be done just for fun or interest!

FGASA ADVANCED RIFLE HANDLING

Next FGASA Advanced Rifle Handling Certificate Course intake (4 days):
7, 8, 14, 15 July 2012

As the pinnacle of our rifle training, the FGASA Advanced Rifle Handling Certificate Course was designed for the prospective Field Guide who wishes to work within a dangerous game area conducting safaris on foot as a qualified Trails Guide.

It must be noted from the outset that Africa Nature Training aims to create an exceptional Field Guide, based on two core fundamentals: integrity and excellence. The training you will receive on the most rigorous of our rifle courses will equip you with skills and knowledge that surpass the requirements of the FGASA Advanced Rifle Handling syllabus.

Our training syllabus is aligned with the FGASA View Potentially Dangerous Animals (VPDA) Qualification and the Unit Standard 8459 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

Participants must be 21 years or older and must have successfully completed the FGASA Level 1 qualification.

The course includes a theory component and a written test. Four full days are spent on the range, of which three and a half are dedicated to training. The assessment is conducted on the last afternoon of the course. Participants are taught seven different rifle drill sequences emphasising the importance of time and accuracy. The firearms used are .22, .303 and .375 H&H Magnum.

All tests undergo a strict marking and moderation process: 75% or above is considered a pass. Don't stress - we will coach you through the process!

We will endeavour to do our best in terms of your individual tuition and coaching - this we guarantee! However, as previously mentioned, guiding clients on foot within a dangerous game area is a huge responsibility for both the guide and employer. Africa Nature Training has the added responsibility to the Guide, prospective employer, clients on trail, Field Guides Association of Southern Africa as well as the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. On that note, please be advised that should you not meet the requirements of the assessment process we cannot simply “pass” you because you are a paying customer. If you are declared not yet competent and a re-assessment is required, this can be arranged at a mutually beneficial time. Regulations do not permit a reassessment to be conducted on the same day as the initial assessment. The re-assessment is free of charge, but the cost of additional ammunition and hiring of a SASSETA accredited shooting range will need to be paid for by the student.

If you would like to find out more or enrol on one of these courses, please click here to send us an e-mail.