HUNTER COMPETENCE ASSESSMENT PROGRAMME 2005-2010
PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED WHEN PARTICIPATING IN HCAP RANGE TESTS AT
THE MIDLAND RIFLE RANGE, TULLAMORE, CO. OFFALY
1: Only candidates who have previously satisfied the MCQ stage of HCAP assessment are permitted to participate in the Range Test stage.
2: Candidates are allowed two only attempts at fulfilling requirements on the Grouping Target, followed by one only attempt at fulfilling requirements on the Deer Target; or one attempt on the Grouping Target followed by two attempts at the Deer Target. Candidates are not permitted two attempts at the Grouping Target followed by two attempts at the Deer Target.
3: Candidates are permitted two attempts at satisfying Range Test requirements, on two separate Range Test dates, subject to prevailing repeat fee (currently €50.00). Should any candidate need to repeat the Range Test again after a second full attempt, they may do so only subject to payment of the full HCAP Fee of €100.00.
4: All HCAP candidates are required to complete HCAP Assessment within 180 days of date of their MCQ, i.e. all candidates must pass their Range Test within 180 days of sitting their first attempt at the MCQ. Candidates may repeat the Range Test stage of the certifying test as often as they wish and as often as administrative arrangements allow, within the 180 day timeframe but if certification is not achieved within that time, candidates must then recommence the process from the beginning, including re-sitting a current MCQ even where they may have previously passed the MCQ.
5: Range Test candidates must register with Range management on arrival at the Range.
6: Countryside Alliance insurance is the preferred insurance cover, membership of NARGC Compensation Scheme Fund is also recognised and accepted by Range management. All candidates must provide evidence of current insurance cover if requested.
7: Modified firearms i.e. rifles fitted with sound moderators may not be used on the Range in any circumstances, except where evidence of re-proofing after fitting of moderator can be provided. Candidates requiring further comment on this aspect of Range procedures should contact the MRC directly.
8: No zeroing is permitted before or during the Range Test.
9: Hearing protection should be worn at all times when the Range is “live”. Candidates must provide their own hearing protection, also firing point groundsheets for use on the Open Range.
10: Breech flags must be used when firearm is not in actual use. Breech flags are available for purchase on the Range.
11: All instructions of designated Range personnel must be obeyed at all time. On issues of safety, the authority of Range management personnel overrides all other authority at all times.
12: If shooting on the covered range at MRC, a warning signal will sound and a red light will flash as an instruction to cease fire. This signal is to be obeyed immediately. All firing should cease and all firearms should be racked or laid down with bolts opened and breech flags inserted.
13: In any firing position but especially when standing, sitting or kneeling, ammunition must not be inserted in the breech except when the barrel of the firearm is horizontal to the target. Do not load or close bolt when the barrel is pointing either skyward or to the ground.
14: Move forward on the Range only when advised or permitted to do so by the designated Range Officer and at no other time.
REMEMBER – SAFETY FIRST, LAST AND ALWAYS
