Gamekeeper

You would take care of the land used for shooting and fishing. You’d organise recreational shooting, deer stalking and angling for clients.

You would make sure there is enough game such as deer, and birds like pheasant, partridge and grouse for clients to shoot. You would also make sure that rivers are well-stocked with fish for angling.

The tasks would vary according to the season, but you would:

• Plan and organise shoots and fishing parties

• Hire and supervise staff such as beaters to flush out birds during shoots

• Keep records of what is shot or caught and arrange the sale of game

• Train gun dogs and work with them

• Breed game birds for release into the wild

• Control predators such as foxes, crows and rats by shooting and trapping

• Protect game from poachers by patrolling the beat area at night

• Repair equipment, buildings and game pens and cleaning guns

• Clear woodland and burning heather

• Work with the police to deal with crime such as badger digging and hare coursing

You may also be responsible for developing plans for managing the game and habitat on a country estate. Depending on the size of the estate, you may also need to complete related paperwork and administration tasks.

If you work as a keeper to protect and manage rivers and streams as habitats for trout and salmon you would be known as a river keeper or ghillie.

You’ll need to be happy working on your own for long periods of time, and in remote areas, outdoors in all weather.

Working with firearms can be dangerous; you will require a good knowledge of health and safety and a mature attitude.

• National Gamekeepers Organisation Educational Trust - How to become a gamekeeper

• Scottish Gamekeepers Association

• Lantra Scotland - Training and skills for the land-based, aquaculture and environmental sector