Does a gamekeeper really need a degree?

This is my eighth season being 
a headkeeper on an estate in the Cotswolds. Having entered 
the gamekeeping profession 
full-time at the age of 23, 
my initial knowledge came 
from running a small shoot in 
Suffolk for a farmers syndicate 
and having a BSc (Hons) 
degree in conservation and 
environment. The small shoot 
was an ideal stepping stone as 
I learned how to rear pheasants, control predators, manage habitats and run shoot days on four or five 50-bird days. Gamekeeping on a small syndicate presents all the problems a larger shoot has 
but with a lesser financial burden if things go wrong. Making mistakes can be costly, but 
a good way of learning.

Written in the stars

My main passion has always been shooting; 
I was born on 1 October so my fate was written from the start. I was one of those boys who would pester his father to go out with the gun at any opportunity. Sitting in 
a ditch for hours on end, in pouring rain, to fire one shot at a lone crow was heaven.

Gamekeeping qualifications

I am thankful that I have been able to make a career out of my passion. I know many people who went to university and got a degree they rarely use. Going to university or college is vital in the gamekeeping world. Learning from hands-on experience isn’t enough for the modern keeper — it needs to be combined with gamekeeping qualifications and training.

Starting any new job is daunting and there are some in the shooting fraternity who look upon a young lad going into the profession with a degree and some part-time 
gamekeeping experience as being completely 
clueless. There are even a few who take great pleasure in telling you that that’s not the 
way they’d do it. I meet young men who get 
a decent job and yet are criticised because of jealousy and bitterness. Perhaps something to think about if this relates to you.

Perfect way into gamekeeping profession

Gamekeeping in the Cotswolds has been a perfect way into the profession. The shoot has changed every year, which keeps things exciting. As my knowledge has increased, the shoot’s size has followed suit. We gain more ground on a yearly basis which allows for new drives to be created; we have about 1,100 acres. Watching 
the new pheasant drives 
flourish brings a huge amount 
of satisfaction. Let days have been added and I have had 
a couple of underkeepers 
for the past few years.

Things have gone well 
to date. My game covers are still standing well, even after the heavy snowfall, and there will be enough game left to accommodate my last few 
shoot days. Topping strips of maize with the Massey Ferguson 135 tractor helps to keep the birds in good condition and ensure they stay at home.

My attention will soon 
be turning to tidying up, habitat maintenance and controlling the vermin. Rats are forever building in large numbers around the game covers and we are continually seeing maize cobs that mysteriously seem to be moving unaided.

At closer inspection, you will see a grey squirrel carrying them across the field. Habitat maintenance is an ongoing job 
and I am very proud of the woodland cover 
I have created here, but it needs inspecting and managing on a yearly basis to keep the habitat in optimum condition.

National Gamekeepers’ Organisation job register

Gamekeeping job opportunities are few and far between so limiting your search to near where you live really will restrict your career. If you are young, with no responsibilities, moving shouldn’t be an issue. I registered on the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation job register and happened to come across the job I am in now. I moved three hours away from home to the Cotswolds and it was one of 
the best decisions I have ever made. Take 
a chance and head to somewhere new!