GAMEKEEPER

A Gamekeeper works in private estates and is responsible for the upkeep of animals bred for hunting and fishing.

Skills:

• experience of working outdoors
• good knowledge of the countryside
• certificates and qualifications from training centres or schools such as Northern School of Game and Wildlife or Elmwood Campus of Scotland’s Rural College
• flexibility, patience, self-discipline, good observation
• understanding of working with animals and the natural environment

Responsibilities:

• advising and guiding hunting or fishing parties
• assisting in hunt logistics, advising on effective hunting and fishing techniques
• preparing, breeding, training and caring for hounds
• preparing hunting equipment
• repairing and maintaining related equipment and buildings
• maintaining and managing hunting grounds to favour growth and health of game
• preparing and maintaining hunting grounds
• managing recruitment of beaters, runners and other assistants for the hunt
• recording figures from hunts and fishing parties
• protecting the grounds from vermin, scavengers and poachers
• liaising with security and police forces to protect the grounds from criminal activity

Gamekeeper Salary Guide

The salary for a Gamekeeper goes from 20k to 25k gross ​a year, depending on the experience and qualifications, eventually plus tips and some benefits such as pickup truck, clothing allowance, dog allowance, house, cartridges/bullets paid for, estate guns and estate rifles.