Quick question...

[JS569]

As with most, I've got a selection of rifles. Some I have highlighted for use over land. Others I've only got for range use, however I have one or two rifles I'd like to have the conditions changed for use on the land I have permission on (for relevant legal quarry). The land in question has 6.5x55 (which I use personally) and others use at least .243 already on it so I don't think I'll have a problem getting a 308 passed on it.

So my question is what's the process in requesting the change of conditions on my certificate?

Here's the curve ball, I had discussions about 4 years ago with my licensing force about an open certificate which they applied to my .22rf but not other firearms as they advised waiting a few years and I never bothered following it up. So would I be better asking for an open cert? I've had my license over 15yrs so I'm hardly new to it all!

[AL8]

I would ask for an open (less restictive) certificate.
Usually certificates are opened at the first renewal.
I would enquire why they will not open it up, as 15 years should be more than enough experience.
As we take the responsibility every time we pull the trigger, you might as well have it recognised.
I just sent a letter asking for an open certificate, with justification.

[Blackstuff]

For 'heavy' full-bore calibres like that you're going to need to have deer on the land and permission to take them to get that signed off IMO. That can then mean they'll want you to sit a DSC course or similar. (I've done one and found it informative and enjoyable but I was a complete noob to live quarry when I did it, if you've been stalking for years I can imagine it seems a bit ridiculous given its pitched at entry level people).

To answer the actual question, I just wrote a letter to my FLD asking for the open condition for deer stalking for the .308 rifle I had at the time and gave the details of the land I was planning on going stalking on. That was before the days of the AOLQ condition though and I would've asked for that had it been an option. Once they agreed to it I just waited until the amended FAC was ready and then swapped it in person at the HQ

[Sim G]

It is written down somewhere, and I can’t remember where, but sure it’s in the current guidance, that once someone has been conditioned for nominated land for at least two years, open conditions can be granted.

I just can’t find it!

[JS569]

It is written down somewhere, and I can’t remember where, but sure it’s in the current guidance, that once someone has been conditioned for nominated land for at least two years, open conditions can be granted.

I just can’t find it!

Well the good news is that I've been on the nominated land for nearly 15 years with FAC and S/G before then. I can also obtain further written permission from the owner and also the game keeper is more than happy to support the fact I go after deer (and other suitable quarry) on the land.

I think I might as well look to go for an open certificate to allow me to zero and hunt on the land. It will also be helpful if and when I go anywhere else i suppose.

[safetyfirst]

Mine is “open” but only for the .22 rifles I have conditioned for vermin etc. They wouldn’t let me move a .223 to land until I could prove I had experience shooting centerfire over land or something like DSC Deer qualification.

Standard fare in Derbyshire, well past first renewal 40yrs plus, get in very well with FEO.

Lottery.

[safetyfirst]

Supposed to say “I get on very well my my FEO”