Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to destroy animals humanely using firearms. Shooting is a quick and effective means of humanely destroying animals and in some situations is the only practical method available in the field.
Shooting may be conducted on foot or with various vehicles. Techniques in shooting pest animals will depend on the type of animal that is being shot and whether the shooter is stationary or mobile. This unit is not applicable to using firearms from aircraft.
This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work. They use discretion and judgement in the selection and use of available resources.
Firearms licensing conditions apply to this unit. Specific approval should be sought through the relevant State or Territory Firearms licensing agency.
Appropriate firearms licences and training are also required for those involved in training and assessment against this unit.
Destruction of pest animals must comply with state animal cruelty legislation. In addition to legal responsibilities, all units of competency dealing with animals in the AHC Training Package have the requirements for animals to be handled humanely to minimise stress and discomfort.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Plan for the shooting job | 1.1 Map location and boundaries for the shoot in accordance with the pest management plan and monitoring program 1.2 Confirm location of habitats, habits and range of movement of target animal 1.3 Determine timing of the shoot based on the activity patterns of the target animal and estimate time required to complete the shoot 1.4 Identify hazards associated with the shoot 1.5 Identify environmental and personal and public safety risks associated with the shoot 1.6 Identify and use suitable personal protective equipment and warning signs required for the job |
2. Prepare for the shooting job | 2.1 Confirm anatomy and physical features identifying location of vulnerable organs of target animal 2.2 Take precautions to minimise hazards and environmental risks associated with the shoot 2.3 Select vehicles, equipment and materials intended for use and check for serviceability 2.4 Check firearm licences and permits are applicable to purpose and obtain new license/permit if necessary 2.5 Select firearm and ammunition types to comply with those recommended for the target animal 2.6 Check firearms, ammunition, and stowage for transportation meets licensing requirements 2.7 Check and prepare firearm and ammunition 2.8 Zero and test fire firearm 2.9 Stow firearm for transport making sure it is unloaded and in a safe mode |
3. Shoot animals | 3.1 Carry firearm safely with muzzle pointing in safe direction at all times 3.2 Load, discharge and unload firearm safely 3.3 Aim firearm at vulnerable site, on the target animal and kill using a single shot 3.4 Check each target animal to ensure it is dead prior to selecting the next target animal where possible 3.5 Destroy target animals that have not been killed cleanly in a humane manner 3.6 Handle carcases that are required for research or commercial use carefully and in a way to minimise personal health and safety and biosecurity risks 3.7 Dispose of animal carcases that are not required for research or other purposes according to enterprise procedures to minimise biosecurity or public safety and health risks |
4. Clean and store equipment and material | 4.1 Clean and store carcases for research or commercial use 4.2 Clean and store equipment and materials 4.3 Clean, maintain and store firearms 4.4 Store ammunition safely 4.5 Report or record job completion |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
operate a firearm safely in accordance with statutory requirements
zero and test fire the firearm safely at a range under supervision at a distance that is commensurate with the target animals to be destroyed
stow the firearm safely for transport
clean, maintain and store firearms safely and in accordance with statutory requirements
check target animal is dead and euthanase immediately, if necessary, according to relevant animal welfare codes of practice
use personal protective equipment to handle carcases to prevent contracting zoonotic diseases
apply work health and safety policies and procedures at all times
apply biosecurity measures when handling, transporting or disposing of carcases
apply appropriate sustainability practices in the context of own work
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
how to find the pertinent information in the organisation's pest management plan
the environmental hazards and risks associated with the shoot
the safety hazards and risk management strategies associated with the shoot
how to check and prepare the firearm and ammunition
how to check a target animal that has been fired on to ensure it is dead
anatomy and physical features and vulnerable sites, or humane points on target animal
procedures for the safe handling of carcases required for research or commercial use
procedures for the safe disposal of animal carcases not required for other purposes
reporting and recording procedures required by the pest management plan
location and boundaries for the shoot
habitats, habits and range of movement of target animals
personal protective equipment required for the shoot
application of the 1996 National Firearms Agreement to the licensing, storage and use of firearms
firearm and ammunition types recommended for the target animal
State and territory gun control laws, acts and regulatory requirements relating to the use of firearms to humanely destroy animals
the basic requirements for ensuring the welfare of animals described in the relevant Codes of Practice
prevention of cruelty to animals legislation applicable to destruction of animals
basic requirements for biosecurity in the context of destruction of animals
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must involve the use of a firearm but can be undertaken using live animals, carcases or simulated targets. Assessment must be conducted under field conditions. The assessment team must include assessors with firearms licences.
Assessment must comply with Animal Welfare Codes of Practice and Standard Operating Procedures.
Assessor must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Pest management (PMG)