NGO Loader Training Course

The trusted NGO Loader Training Course is now available online through the Shooting & Hunting Academy, delivering the recognised professional standards every shoot day loader should know.
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A Long-Established Course from the National Gamekeepers Organisation

The NGO Loader Training Course is designed for anyone wishing to work as a shoot day loader or assist guns on driven game shoots and simulated game days. Developed by the National Gamekeepers' Organisation and delivered successfully for many years, this trusted course sets out the essential standards every loader should know—from shotgun safety, shoot day etiquette and risk assessment to loading techniques, gun care and firearms legislation.

A few more words about this course

Loading is a skilled and responsible role. A professional loader does far more than load a second gun. They support the gun, maintain shotgun safety, understand the rhythm of the shoot day, communicate clearly and uphold the professional standards expected by sporting estates, gamekeepers and shooting clients.
Based on the National Gamekeepers' Organisation's long-established Loader Training programme, this trusted course is now delivered online through the Shooting & Hunting Academy in clear, structured lessons that learners can complete at their own pace.

Whether you're loading for an experienced shot, assisting an older client, minding an inexperienced gun or supporting a busy driven shoot or simulated game day, the professional standards expected of a loader remain the same: safe gun handling, sound judgement, good communication and professional conduct.

Through a series of online modules, you'll learn the role of the loader, shoot day etiquette, risk assessment, shotgun safety, cartridge checks, double gunning, stuffing techniques, hang fires, misfires, end-of-day gun care and firearms legislation.

By the end of the course, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to apply recognised best practice on a real shoot day. On successful completion, you'll receive an official digital certificate from the National Gamekeepers' Organisation.

Course Content

meet your instructor

Tim Weston

Tim Weston has had a career in game management since leaving university. Starting out in fisheries management and gamekeeping Tim has years of hands on practical experience of land and wildlife management including time spent as a full time professional deer manager in the New Forest.

After seven years of keeping Tim became a sporting agent working with the finest estates in the United Kingdom and fisheries in the world. This not only expanded his knowledge of the sector it allowed him to understand the working practices of a wider range of game managers from around the world and to share those experiences with others.

For the last 14 years Tim has been working for the National Gamekeepers' Organisation (NGO) and is currently the director of Environment, Policy and Politics. Tim also heads up the NGO's training team and is a qualified lecturer and assessor.
To find out more about the NGO, visit:
www.nationalgamekeepers.org.uk
+44 (0)1833 660 869
info@nationalgamekeepers.org.uk
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About the national Game keepers organisation
The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation supports gamekeepers and promotes quality, professionalism and best practice within the sector. Through NGO Training Limited, it provides a range of highly regarded short courses across England and Wales, helping gamekeepers, shooters and stalkers improve their skills, stay up to date with changing legal requirements and maintain excellent standards in the field.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. Why should I complete the NGO Loader Training Course?

Many sporting estates and shoot organisers are becoming increasingly careful about who they allow to work as a loader, particularly where someone is new to the role or not already known to the estate.Completing the NGO Loader Training Course helps demonstrate that you understand the standards expected of a responsible shoot day loader, including shotgun safety, etiquette, risk assessment, loading techniques, misfires, gun care and firearms legislation.For anyone hoping to work as a loader or assist guns on driven game shoots or simulated game days, this course provides a clear way to show that you have taken the role seriously and have received training from the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation.

Q. Who is the NGO Loader Training Course suitable for?

A. he NGO Loader Training Course is suitable for anyone wishing to work as a shoot day loader or assist guns on driven game shoots and simulated game days. It is ideal for those already helping in the field, as well as those preparing to take on the role for the first time.

Q. Is this course useful for driven game and simulated game days?

A. Yes. The course is suitable for anyone assisting guns on driven game shoots or simulated game days. The professional standards expected of a loader remain the same: safe gun handling, sound judgement, good communication and professional conduct.

Q. What does the Loader Training course cover?

A. The course covers the essential standards every loader should know, including the role of the loader, shoot day etiquette, risk assessment, shotgun safety, cartridge checks, loading techniques, double gunning, stuffing, hang fires, misfires, end-of-day gun care and firearms legislation.

Q. Do I need previous loading experience to enrol?

A. No previous formal loading experience is required. The course is suitable for those who are new to loading, as well as those who already assist guns and want to improve their knowledge, confidence and understanding of recognised best practice.

Q. Is the NGO Loader Training Course completed online?

A. Yes. The course is delivered online through the Shooting & Hunting Academy in clear, structured lessons. You can complete the course at your own pace and revisit the course content as needed.

Q. Will I receive a certificate after completing the course?

A. Yes. On successful completion of the course, you will receive an official digital certificate from the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation.

Q. Does the course include practical loading in the field?

A. This is an online training course designed to teach recognised best practice, safety, etiquette, loading techniques, gun care and relevant legislation. It does not include a practical shoot day assessment, but it is designed to help learners feel better prepared to apply best practice in the field.

Q. Why is loader training important?

A. Loading is a skilled and responsible role. A professional loader does far more than load a second gun. They support the gun, help maintain shotgun safety, understand the rhythm of the shoot day, communicate clearly and uphold the standards expected by sporting estates, gamekeepers and shooting clients.

Q.Is this a new course?

No. This is a long-established course developed by the National Gamekeepers Organisation and delivered successfully for many years. It is now available online through the Shooting & Hunting Academy, allowing learners to complete the training in a clear and structured format at their own pace.