About
Gamekeeping is one of the oldest professions in the country and still a popular career choice today.
Whether you are interested in pheasant and partridge, grouse or deer, you will gain the experience required to get a job in the industry. A combination of resources on campus and excellent industry links off-site help to create outstanding, employable students.
Although a traditional job, the modern gamekeeper needs to understand how their role fits in an
ever-changing environment where agriculture, forestry and conservation all play a part.
The department has strong industry links and works closely with professionals across the field, all valuable support for your career progression. Our course managers pride themselves on being truly passionate about their subject areas and all have their own extensive industry experience.
You’ll have the chance to take part in a range of work placement opportunities as well as gain additional industry recognised qualifications including snaring and heather burning.
We’re also well supported by organisations such as the National Gamekeepers Organisation, Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust and the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, and by our industry sponsors Kings, Massey Feeds and Ridgeline.
Courses
Student Success
Mouse Tyne
Level 3 Technical Baccalaureate in Land and Wildlife Management (Game)
School: Yscol Botwnnog, Caernarfonshire
Next step: Degree or job in industry
Ambition: Deer Manager
“I’ve been fascinated by deer since I was very young. Reaseheath has a great reputation for its game management courses and I’d already done two taster days so I knew I definitely wanted to be a student here.
“Stand out moments have been my two week work placement on a Suffolk estate, learning about lowland deer management from the head stalker. I’m spending another two weeks in Scotland so I can see how upland deer management works. The systems are very different.
“This course covers everything I need and it’s hard to pick out what I enjoy most. I’m looking forward to more hands on experience and also to doing an extended project for my Tech Bacc.”
Find out more
Why study Game and Wildlife Management at Reaseheath?
You’ll help to manage two deer herds and gain practical experience in the larder at local estates.
Our campus game rearing facilities means you’ll be involved in collecting eggs from our own stock, incubating eggs and rearing pheasants.
Our on-site rifle range and links with an external range ensures your competence in firearms.
Enjoy clay shooting on campus and at the local clay ground at Mickley Hall shooting school where expert tuition is offered as part of your course.
We have excellent links with local grouse moors in the Peak District where you will gain practical experience and take part in shoot days, supervised by staff.
An on-site pheasant shoot and excellent links to local shoots means you’ll get to take part in experience days while supervised by staff.
Where could your career take you?
If you’re looking for a career in the outdoors, gamekeeping and wildlife management could fit the bill perfectly for you! Come rain or shine you will be working outdoors, so if you enjoy battling against the elements and feeling fresh air in your lungs, keep reading.
Life as a gamekeeper can be very varied. The shoot season is sure to keep you incredibly busy as you will spend most of your time organising shooting activities and managing teams of ‘beaters’. Aside from that, a large part of your role will focus on land management. For example, you could be cutting down trees in dense woodland, fixing fences, and repairing vehicles, such as quad bikes or tractors, meaning there’s plenty of hands-on practical skills needed.
Many of the jobs in this industry come with added benefits such as rent-free accommodation on the estate you could be working on.
Some of the roles you could go into with our game and wildlife management qualification include:
- Pest control officer
- Underkeeper / beat keeper
- Game bird dealer
- Gundog trainer / breeder
- Working for organisations such as the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) or Natural England
You could find employment in any of these types of businesses:
- Sporting estates
- Game rearing
- Factoring of estates
- Shooting agents
- Suppliers of feed and rearing equipment
You certainly don’t need a university degree to break into this line of work. However, gamekeeping and wildlife management careers are competitive so studying with us will help you stand out from the crowd when it comes to getting a job.
Employability
We’re very proud of our links with industry partners such as Sorbus International and Stein. As part of your training you’ll complete an industry relevant work placement and our industry partners will support you on your journey into employment.
Many students choose to combine their studies with part time work, which adds to their professional experience and supports their learning in the classroom.
You’ll also get involved in community projects with local organisations and schools, all designed to add valuable experience to your CV.
All of our forestry and arboriculture students have the opportunity to study additional industry relevant qualifications such as chainsaw handling and aerial rescue.
Industry links
Life in the game and wildlife industry can be a truly fantastic lifestyle, and we’re focused on preparing you for the world of work. One of the great things about this course is the additional qualifications you can do to further enhance your CV. You’ll have the chance to complete training in heather burning, rat poisoning, trapping and snaring as well as study towards additional qualifications such as ATV handling and deer stalking.
Industry view
“The key to succeeding in any career is gaining those all-important relevant qualifications. Gamekeeping is no different. If you want to succeed, choose your college and course wisely.
“Last year’s winner of the National Gamekeepers Organisation’s Martin Jenkins award (for student gamekeepers), who attended Reaseheath, did just that. A good college and an excellent course.”
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Higher Education: 01270 613284
Switchboard: 01270 625131