Night Shooting Course 

The LANTRA Accredited Night Shooting Certificate (NSC) delivers essential, certificated training for deer managers, pest control operatives, and fox shooters. Following Natural England’s February 2026 CL55 guidance, the NSC is now recognised as a 'Suitable Qualification' for those seeking a night licence to shoot deer, ensuring your skills are fully current, relevant, and compliant with government guidance.  
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NSC - The UK's recognised route to a CL55 Night Shooting Licence

PLEASE NOTE: If you are looking to apply under Category 2, you will be required to complete practical assessment in the field with one of our Approved Verifiers. Additional Assessment fee will apply. 

To understand the most suitable pathway  for CL55, based on your current experience, qualifications, and objectives, please check out diagram here

Nationally recognised and Accredited course

Delivered by the National Gamekeepers Organisation in collaboration with leading industry experts, the Night Shooting Certificate (NSC) is a nationally recognised assessed LANTRA Award, that delivers crucial guidance on the law surrounding night shooting and best practice training in the skills and knowledge to implement safe, effective and humane control measures in both urban and rural environments.  

A few more words about Night Shooting Certificate NSC

The Night Shooting Course has resulted from an industry-wide collaboration between the National Gamekeepers Organisation (NGO), members of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) - 360 Wildlife, Wildlife Management Experts WildTrackPro, Thermal Drone Technology specialists - BH Wildlife Consultancy, Deer Management Training Providers Jelen PWS and County Deer Stalking, who have worked alongside specialists in night vision and thermal imaging equipment, that include industry leaders, HIKMICRO, DNT Optics, Tom's Targets and Swarovski Optik, to create a ground-breaking Night Shooting Course that delivers advanced information on the use of thermal and night vision equipment, along with crucial guidance on the law surrounding night shooting and training in the skills necessary to implement  safe, effective and humane control measures in both urban and rural environments.

With recognised third-party accreditation from LANTRA this assessed LANTRA Award provides the very latest and most up-to-date certificated training to all those who need to shoot at night.





The course covers key subjects that include, the origins of night shooting, understanding thermal imaging and night vision devices, understanding technical specifications, maintenance, device set-up and zeroing. Legislation and UK law concerning the use of thermal imaging and night vision technology for shooting at night. Safe shooting in both urban and rural environments, considerations surrounding species identification. The use of thermal and night vision in wildlife management and crucial best practice guidance for all professional operatives and recreational shooters involved in the dispatch of pests, predators, vermin and deer at night. 

The candidate's uptake of the course is assessed via a series of multiple-choice exams and a final timed multiple-choice exam. Upon satisfactorily completing the night shooting course, candidates are awarded a LANTRA Certificate.

This easy to access, nationally available, third-party accredited ‘Night Shooting Course’ delivers the industry standard in Night Shooting and is perfect for all those involved in the dispatch of pests, fox, vermin and deer at night, and demonstrates a level of competence to landowners, employers and the police.

Practical Assessment (Bolt-On)

The NSC Practical Assessment confirms that a candidate who has completed the Night Shooting Course can safely and competently undertake deer and wildlife management at night using modern night shooting equipment.
The NSC Practical Assessment focuses specifically on competence in night shooting conditions and is suitable for anyone involved in wildlife management.
You must complete the practical assessment if you intend to apply for the Natural England CL55 Deer Night Shooting Class Licence under Category 2.

Applicants applying as Category 2 persons must demonstrate practical competence in night shooting conditions and must also hold a recognised basic deer stalking qualification such as PDS1 or DSC1.
You may also choose to complete the practical assessment if you are taking the Night Shooting Certificate for professional development or to demonstrate competence in night shooting.

This may include deer managers, pest controllers, wildlife managers, or those operating in Scotland or Wales.
Candidates completing the assessment voluntarily do not need to already hold a deer stalking qualification.

NOTE: This course is recognised for Deer Management Certificate level 3 DMC3 and provides 4 credits towards UNIT 1. Learn more about DMC3 HERE

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Industry-wide Collaboration

Members of the National Gamekeepers Organisation (NGO) receive a £30 discount on the Night Shooting Course. 

*Please get in touch with the NGO for your discount code.

The Shooting & Hunting Academy is proud to be a BPCA registered CPD provider. Completion of the Night Shooting Course qualifies members for annual CPD points. Upon application, members of the BPCA may also receive a 15% discount on the Night Shooting Course.  

*Please get in touch with the us for your discount code.

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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meet your instructor

Karolien van der Vorm

Karolien Van der Vorm first started her involvement with deer and wildlife control in the 90’s in her native Netherlands. Following a move to the UK, in the early 2000’s, she concentrated on deer control on several private estates and wildlife management.

Today she is better known as the founder of 360 Wildlife Control, a specialist wildlife management company working and advising not only government organisations but several of the leading UK Pest Control companies as well as numerous Estates and corporate international bodies.

Her teams work across the UK from Hebridean islands to central London, with night shooting forming the mainstay of the business. It is not unusual to find Karolien in unusual shooting locations from scissor lifts, inside distribution centres to airport runways being a very hands-on leader.
Karolien currently sits on the British Pest Control Association Wildlife Committee .
To find out more visit:
www.360wildlifecontrol.co.uk
07990 520660 / 07818 045200
info@360wildlifecontrol.co.uk
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Night Shooting Licensing for ENGLAND explained

How to Use This Diagram

This diagram is designed to help you identify the most suitable pathway based on your current experience, qualifications, and objectives.
Identify which scenario you are currently in, then follow the relevant route to understand what theory, practical training, or assessment you need — based on the category you intend to apply under.
Each scenario provides a structured learning journey, ensuring you only complete the training you genuinely require, while remaining compliant through accredited and professionally recognised courses.
The goal is simple: clarity, efficiency, and the right qualification for your individual situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the purpose of the Night Shooting Course?

The LANTRA-Accredited Night Shooting Safety Course offers certified training for professional and recreational pest controllers, fox shooters, and deer managers. It covers essential knowledge on night shooting equipment, safety procedures, legal requirements, and best practices, ensuring participants can operate safely and responsibly.

2. Who should take the Night Shooting Course?

This course is ideal for professionals and enthusiasts engaged in night shooting activities, including pest controllers, hunters, land managers, and recreational shooters. Whether you are new to night shooting or looking to deepen your expertise, this course offers essential knowledge and best practices applicable to all experience levels.

3. Is the Night Shooting Course officially recognised?

Yes, this course is fully accredited by LANTRA, a leading awarding body recognised for its high standards in training and certification within land-based and environmental industries. Successful completion of this course provides an industry-recognised certification.

4. How long does it take to complete the Night Shooting Course?

The course is delivered entirely online and is self-paced, allowing participants to progress at their own convenience.

5. Will I receive a certificate upon completion of the Night Shooting Course?

Yes, upon successfully passing the assessment, participants will receive a S&H and LANTRA Certificates. This certification serves as valuable proof of training for both professional and personal use. Candidates will receive digital and hard copy certificates.

6. How long will I have access to the Night Shooting Course? 

As with most of our courses you will get lifetime access to this course, which means you will always be notified if there are any updates on the course and will be invited to watch newly added or updated modules or classess.

NIGHT SHOOTING COURSE STUDENT TESTIMONIALS