AHCPMG311 - Use Firearms for Pest Control Activities From Aircraft Course

When it comes to professional shooting in Australia, there are a few nationally recognised training courses:

• AHCPMG311 - Use Firearms for Pest Control Activities from Aircraft.
• AHCPMG304 - Use Firearms to Humanely Destroy Animals.
• AMPGAM303 - Use Firearms to Safely and Humanely Harvest Wild Game.

For the purpose of this article we are going to focus on AHCPMG311 - Use Firearms for Pest Control Activities from Aircraft.

Who is this Course For?

This course is primarily for professional shooters and farmers who are required to control large numbers of feral animals across huge, remote areas that can only be effectively accessed or managed from a helicopter. Generally, this is people like:

• Professional aerial shooters.
• Vertebrate pest management contractors.
• Government agency staff (e.g., Local Land Services, National Parks and Wildlife Service).
• Station owners and rural landholders participating in coordinated pest control campaigns.
• Wildlife control and conservation workers involved in aerial culling programs.

Be warned: this is not a course for beginners. You are required to already possess a strong foundation in firearm safety and use, as well as experience in professional feral animal control.

You will also benefit from a good understanding of plotting maps, GPS coordinates, and general experience with helicopters.

What Will You Learn?

While specifics can vary by provider, the course typically covers:

• Safe handling and use of firearms in aircraft.
• Target species identification and ethical shot placement.
• Coordination and communication with pilots and ground teams.
• Understanding relevant legislation and animal welfare codes.
• Emergency and risk management procedures during aerial operations.
• Practical shooting assessments under real or simulated flight conditions.

By the end of this course you will have the knowledge and practical experience required to effectively and humanely destroy feral animals from a helicopter. 

What Is Required to Attend the Course?

As a prerequisite, a few things are required before you can register for this course:

• Course: AHCPMG304 – Use Firearms to Humanely Destroy Animals.
• Firearms Licence: You must hold a current Category D licence for Vertebrate Pest Animal Control.
• Appropriate Firearm: You must bring your own firearm. A 308 Win semi-automatic firearm is required, incorporating a brass catcher, quick release sling, and red dot scope at one power.
• Ammunition: Roughly 300 rounds of 150-grain ammunition.
• Fitness and Health: A reasonable level of physical fitness is required, as the course involves outdoor scenarios and practical handling of firearms from aircraft.
• Literacy and Numeracy Skills: Basic literacy and numeracy are required to understand legislation, complete assessments, and follow safety protocols.
• PPE and Equipment: Participants will need to wear robust cotton clothing (long sleeves, long trousers), work boots, ear and eye protection.

Where Can You Do This Course?

There are a few providers in Australia who offer this course. However, my personal recommendation is to go with the Firearm Safety & Training Council. I personally know a few of the guys there and can say with confidence they are highly experienced, safe operators who know their stuff.

The major difference between providers of this course is the time and depth they go into. The course I'm recommending with the Firearm Safety & Training Council is a 4-day, very intense course. Expect big days, significant homework, and hours of practising drills to really get this information into you. This ensures you are trained to the government standard expected by those in the industry.

If you’re looking for the most reputable provider of this course in Australia, these are the guys you need to speak to.

Good luck and safe shooting!

View AHCPMG311 Course Details Here