Do Gloucestershire allow mentoring?

[25 Sharps]

A good buddy of mine who has been shooting with me under the estate rifle rule for a number of years has got himself a small permission with Fallow, Munties and Roe on it, by the sounds of things it will all be high seat work, which is fine.

He is currently an SGC holder (I told him to go coterminous last year but he didn't!), chances are he'll be on a closed ticket to start and I don't know if they'll clear the ground so just wondering if Gloucestershire allow mentoring? If so I can mentor him as I've done this in Wiltshire but last time I offered for another buddy A&S point blank refused.

(Not really looking for this to become a thread discussing the merits of mentoring)

 

[BE Precision]

the BDS West branch are holding a meeting about mentoring this month, to be held in a pub in Gloucestershire, i will be attending. not that that tells you if Gloucestershire will allow it. A workaround could be for someone to sit with him and let him shoot their rifle under the estate rifle rule until he gets his open ticket - which may be some time if the rumors about Gloucestershire are correct.

 

[25 Sharps]

the BDS West branch are holding a meeting about mentoring this month, to be held in a pub in Gloucestershire, i will be attending. not that that tells you if Gloucestershire will allow it. A workaround could be for someone to sit with him and let him shoot their rifle under the estate rifle rule until he gets his open ticket - which may be some time if the rumors about Gloucestershire are correct.

Yes, I've already explained that irrespective of whether they allow mentoring, due to the time his application will take and the fact the deer need managing that it is best for me to also get permission, with authority to loan a rifle, so we can get going straight away. He has mentioned it would be himself and a friend to the landowner so should not be an issue, just need to get some seats built sharpish.

 

[Rural Management Services]

I think with the speed that Glos are currently moving I would get him to apply now and then start building evidence to support the application. He will likely have a year or more to build a shooting log, do DSC etc before they even open his file. With regards to your original question about mentoring I think that Glos just make it up as they go along like allot of FLU’s do. Shouldn’t be needed though if he builds a decent batch of evidence to support his application.

 

[25 Sharps]

I think with the speed that Glos are currently moving I would get him to apply now and then start building evidence to support the application. He will likely have a year or more to build a shooting log, do DSC etc before they even open his file. With regards to your original question about mentoring I think that Glos just make it up as they go along like allot of FLU’s do. Shouldn’t be needed though if he builds a decent batch of evidence to support his application.

To be fair he already has that, he’s been shooting vermin with me for years and has been out on multiple stalking trips with me stalking roe, muntjac and fallow over the last 3-4 years both off seats and sticks. I have photo’s of all successful stalks.

he doesn’t have a lot of spare cash so DSC would be a barrier but I can’t see it being necessary, IF they accept a letter from me.

 

[wytonpjs]

To be fair he already has that, he’s been shooting vermin with me for years and has been out on multiple stalking trips with me stalking roe, muntjac and fallow over the last 3-4 years both off seats and sticks. I have photo’s of all successful stalks.

he doesn’t have a lot of spare cash so DSC would be a barrier but I can’t see it being necessary, IF they accept a letter from me.

Don’t forget the next round of funding from the Forestry Training Fund which can fully cover DSC1, 2 and the DMC costs. But as others say, get the application in as early as possible and continue to build the supporting case evidence.

 

[25 Sharps]

Don’t forget the next round of funding from the Forestry Training Fund which can fully cover DSC1, 2 and the DMC costs. But as others say, get the application in as early as possible and continue to build the supporting case evidence.

When does that come out? I keep thinking of doing my level 2, haven’t needed it to date but acutely aware it’s coming!

 

[Teddyj]

the BDS West branch are holding a meeting about mentoring this month, to be held in a pub in Gloucestershire, i will be attending. not that that tells you if Gloucestershire will allow it. A workaround could be for someone to sit with him and let him shoot their rifle under the estate rifle rule until he gets his open ticket - which may be some time if the rumors about Gloucestershire are correct.

What rumours would that be? I’m looking to apply for an open ticket and varation soon

 

[Cyres]

Is your buddy a member of BASC? if not he needs to be and get their Firearms section involved.
Looking at the many previous posts on here about Glos it appears they have gone rouge and just invent as hoc conditions.
It appears he has lots of experience with you so get on and apply. Might be closed to start with. Also get him on a DSC 1 course.
D

 

[BE Precision]

What rumours would that be? I’m looking to apply for an open ticket and varation soon

just that they are very slow, large delays, stopping processing applications, randomly apply their own made up rules etc..

i used the word "rumors" as its just what ive picked up from this and other online forums/social media pages. dont know for sure as i'm A&S even though i live in South Glos.

 

[jacre1993]

I was mentored myself and on my 2nd FAC now … I’m Avon and Somerset.

They want to see that individuals have BEEN mentored and not applying for an FAC while being mentored.

Evidence of diary outing/time spent with yourself goes a long way .

You could write a statement / report of your findings/experience with the individual.
Showing that they have gained the relevant experience…. And not that they are going to gain the experience once granted a ticket

 

[Twodogs]

Glos, the last that I am aware of, require witnessed evidence of six large animal kills, though they don’t state this anywhere in policy or on their website. In my case it was a criteria that I became aware of only after submitting the application.

Glos always seem to start a new stalker on a closed ticket though happy to convert to open on submission of evidence of experience. In my case the closed to open process took about a week, so well done there.

With regards the original post, estate rifle route would appear to be the best option, also allow individual to further collate a large animal kill evidence portfolio.

 

[25 Sharps]

I was mentored myself and on my 2nd FAC now … I’m Avon and Somerset.

They want to see that individuals have BEEN mentored and not applying for an FAC while being mentored.

Evidence of diary outing/time spent with yourself goes a long way .

You could write a statement / report of your findings/experience with the individual.
Showing that they have gained the relevant experience…. And not that they are going to gain the experience once granted a ticket

Well that has changed. I spoke to an Avon & Somerset FEO last month who flatly refused to accept mentoring, past or present.

A colleague of mine has been shooting with me for 3-4 years, mostly vermin and fox, took his first deer this season, after a couple of unsuccessful stalks. Also a club shooter and has his safe shooter card, has been a shot gunner for 8 years.

Offered to put a letter together detailing shooting outings etc, A&S FEO stated that they flatly do not recognise mentoring. He would have to do an (unaccredited!) firearms handling course at one of the local RFDs who provided such a service.

Historically gaining experience once granted a certificate has been ok, in Wiltshire at least, I only had air rifle experience when I got my FAC. It was opened in less than 18 months for deer calibre rifles.

The ironic thing is I was mentored by someone in A&S!

 

[25 Sharps]

Glos, the last that I am aware of, require witnessed evidence of six large animal kills, though they don’t state this anywhere in policy or on their website. In my case it was a criteria that I became aware of only after submitting the application.

Glos always seem to start a new stalker on a closed ticket though happy to convert to open on submission of evidence of experience. In my case the closed to open process took about a week, so well done there.

With regards the original post, estate rifle route would appear to be the best option, also allow individual to further collate a large animal kill evidence portfolio.

What do they class as a large animal? He has shot a fallow doe, 2 roe and a muntjac. Easy enough to get him a couple more fallow on his new ground.

 

[25 Sharps]

Is your buddy a member of BASC? if not he needs to be and get their Firearms section involved.
Looking at the many previous posts on here about Glos it appears they have gone rouge and just invent as hoc conditions.
It appears he has lots of experience with you so get on and apply. Might be closed to start with. Also get him on a DSC 1 course.
D

He is a member, I insisted he became one when he got his SGC and started coming out with me regularly for insurance purposes.

 

[Twodogs]

What do they class as a large animal? He has shot a fallow doe, 2 roe and a muntjac. Easy enough to get him a couple more fallow on his new ground.

They never managed to clarify this. I opined that as I was seeking deer stalking then evidence of at least six deer would be appropriate, accepted without question.

 

[Stalker62]

Glos, the last that I am aware of, require witnessed evidence of six large animal kills, though they don’t state this anywhere in policy or on their website.

 

[wytonpjs]

just that they are very slow, large delays, stopping processing applications, randomly apply their own made up rules etc..

i used the word "rumors" as its just what ive picked up from this and other online forums/social media pages. dont know for sure as i'm A&S even though i live in South Glos.

I've heard the same as BEP, including that there will be a freeze on FAC grants. They recently advertised for firearms enquiry staff but at the advertised pay, I wouldn't get out of bed for the 37 hours week they sought, besides the issue of travelling travelling to the force HQ. If others think the same, the rumours might be close to coming true.

 

[25 Sharps]

Well, it looks like he’ll have 2 + years of shooting my rifles under the estate rifle rule now anyway!

 

[25 Sharps]

Well the first visit went well, need to get some seats up but lots of sign. Have suggested he takes advice from BASC on whether to just get the application in….