AMPGAM303 – Use Firearms To Safely and Humanely Harvest Wild Game

Key takeaways: The AMPGAM303 course equips professional harvesters and contract shooters with the skills to safely and humanely harvest wild game, such as feral pigs, deer, and kangaroos. This one-day course requires a Category A/B Firearms Licence and a suitable centrefire rifle (e.g., .222, .204, or .223) and includes live-fire accuracy testing to ensure ethical shot placement. For thorough, industry-compliant training, we highly recommend the Australian Firearms Compliance & Training Group.

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

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

For the purpose of this article we are going to focus on AMPGAM303 – Use Firearms to Safely and Humanely Harvest Wild Game..

Who is this Course For?

Primarily, this course is for individuals who are required to use firearms to harvest wild game like feral pigs, feral deer, and kangaroos. Generally, this is people like:

• Professional wild game harvesters.
• Professional contact shooters who also want to provide wild game harvesting services.

What Will You Learn?

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

• Skills and knowledge required to identify the species to be harvested and how to harvest them humanely.
• Prepare and handle ammunition and firearms safely.
• Ensure the harvesting area is clear and notifications have been made where necessary.
• Harvest the animal using a shot to a body site appropriate to the target species that causes instant death and is prescribed in the relevant code of practice.
• Legislation relating to the use of firearms and related OH&S issues.
• Shooting accuracy testing for both rimfire and centrefire rifles.

By the end of this course you will have the knowledge required to effectively and humanely harvest wild animals. You will also be tested for accuracy as part of a live-fire exercise. This is essential to ensure only those operators who prove they can shoot safely and accurately qualify for this accreditation.

What Is Required to Attend the Course?

As a prerequisite, you will require a few things before you can register for this course:

• Firearms Licence: You must hold a current Category A/B licence for Recreational Hunting, Business/Employment, or Vertebrate Pest Animal Control.
• Appropriate Firearm: You must bring your own firearm. A minimum of 222 Remington or 204 Ruger centrefire rifle is required. A 223 Rem would also work well. I wouldn't bother with anything bigger as it isn't required.
• Fitness and Health: A reasonable level of physical fitness is required, as the course involves outdoor scenarios and practical handling of firearms.
• Literacy and Numeracy Skills: Basic literacy and numeracy are required to understand legislation, complete assessments, and follow safety protocols.
• PPE and Equipment: Bring your own hearing and eye protection.

Where Can You Do This Course?

There are a few providers of this course in Australia. Even though this is a one-day course, the major difference between training providers comes down to the quality of practical instruction. When looking for a provider, you want to avoid anywhere offering a quick, "tick-and-flick" certificate just to get you out the door.

A proper, industry-recognised course should deliver:

• Ethical Focus: A deep dive into animal welfare and humane harvesting requirements.
• Practical Competency: Hands-on firearm handling and precise shot placement drills, not just textbook theory.
• Strict Compliance: Alignment with the strict government standards expected of professional harvesters.

For this training, I highly recommend looking into AFCTGroup.

Full disclosure: I am a director at AFCTGroup. While I am naturally biased, my recommendation comes from knowing exactly how much effort we put into delivering top-tier, uncompromised professional training.

Check out our course, compare what we offer against other options, and make sure you're getting the thorough training this work demands.

Good luck and safe shooting!

 

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