The Nature College

Dangerous Animals

Trails Guide Course

The Trails Guide Course run by The Nature College has evolved over the last couple of years to give learners a very sound basis from which to gain experience with dangerous animals and to deal safely and effectively with such animals.   The course consists of two phases:
 

Phase 1 - Introduction to Trails Guiding

We have developed simulation training to a fine art, where we can guide a learner into developing his/her skills up to a point where they can be introduced to dangerous animals for actual interactions and live approaches.

The course covers all the theory relating to the syllabus for the Trails Guide qualification, and learners will be assessed on the SAQA Unit Standards 335797 (View Potentially Dangerous Animals - VPDA), 117705 (Demonstrate knowledge of the Firearms Control Act 2000) and 119651 (Handle and use a manually operated rifle or carbine ).  Shooting exercises will comply with the appropriate level of the Advanced Weapons Handling qualification.  Candidates will be exposed to extensive practical and theoretical experience. 

The course fee includes accommodation, meals and the prescribed handbook Animal Alert! - You and the big ones. The course fee does not include the cost of ammunition.  Candidates must bring their own rifles.

The Second Phase - Mentored Approaches

This is our VPDA Course, consisting of 5 days of training and evaluation and is presented at the Cleveland Game Park (Palabora Mining Company) close to  Phalaborwa.  The course covers all the theory and practical requirements relating to the THETA unit standard 335797 (View potentially dangerous animals).  Please note that this course does not include rifle training and assessment.

Our assessment consists of two elements:

1. Immediate Action Drills for confrontations with Dangerous Animals (simulations).

2. Mentored Approaches on Dangerous Animals (live approaches).

3. Field Skills, including spoor observation, rifle safety & alertness.

Learners have to achieve the minimum credits on all three elements before qualifying.

The cost of the course includes camping accommodation and simple meals at the training venue and practical assessment.  The prescribed handbook Animal Alert! - you and the big ones is included in the price. The price excludes transport, registration fees with DEAT, as well as First Aid Training (compulsory elements for legal registration as a Field Guide).

Details of the qualification.  

• The SAQA Unit Standard 335797 (VPDA) is added to an existing guide qualification

• You also need a valid rifle proficiency qualification from SASSETA (e.g. 119561 and 117705 - Firearms Control Act and Handle a Manually Operated Rifle, or 10750 (Use of a rifle) and pass the Advanced Rifle Handling Test

• You must meet the practical requirements (Simulated Approaches, Mentored Approaches & Field Skills - achieve required number of credits)

All of the above will qualify you for the THETA Skills Programme 0043/0044 (Nature Site Guide Dangerous Animals Areas Level 2 or Level 4)

Check the training programme for our next dates.