What is a FGASA Trails Guide
Being on foot in wilderness areas, vulnerable to all the elements of nature, including animals big and small, is a very special way to experience our time on earth as humans. Going on a wilderness trail is for many people a deeply satisfying – sometimes life changing – experience, and one that guides need to be very well trained and prepared for to ensure a safe and meaningful experience for everyone. Completing a FGASA Trails Guide Training course with Bhejane Nature Training is the first step on this journey.
Becoming a Trails Guide is not for everyone – it requires a certain skillset and an ability to lead with authority. It is therefore no surprise that it is a quite a long process from trainee to becoming a fully qualified Lead Trails Guide.
Many guides start that journey with Bhejane Nature Training during the FGASA Apprentice Trails Guide training module, that forms part of both our 1 year and 3 year Career programmes.
A trails guide is a highly skilled professional who leads individuals or small groups on guided walking safaris and nature trails in the wilderness, sharing their expertise and passion for the natural world. The Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) has been dedicated to setting industry standards and elevating the quality of Trails Guide training in South Africa for many years. We at Bhejane are proud to be an recognised training delivery partner for FGASA-recognized Trails Guide training, offering quality training programs that meet the highest standards.
What does a Trails Guide need to know?
Trails guides are knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna, animal behaviour, and ecological processes, allowing them to provide educational and interpretive insights during the trails. Before starting the process of trails guide training it is therefore essential that you are first qualified as an NQF 2 Nature Guide, to ensure the fundamental knowledge is already there for you to build further upon during your trails guide development.
Apart from interpretation, Trails guides are responsible for the safety of their guests and are trained in tracking and trailing, use of a manually operated rifle, navigation, and first aid.
Trails Guiding in dangerous Game areas can be regarded as a specialist guiding field – although doing the basic training for Trails Guiding, even if you don’t intend on becoming a Trails Guide, is a good way for nature guides to improve their knowledge and situational awareness.
During a Trails Guide Course you will learn the following:
a) Basic Firearm Training (as per legal requirements). In South Africa, nature guides carrying rifles are required do obtain SAPS Firearm Competency. In order to get this you need to complete a PFTC accredited course that certifies you with “Knowledge of the Firearms Control Act”, “Use of a Manually Operated Rifle for Personal use” and “Use of a Manually Operated Rifle for Business Purposes”. PFTC is the acronym for the Professional Firearm Trainers Council.
Some Trails Guide courses will require that you complete this training prior to arriving for your FGASA training. At Bhejane we are fully accredited through our sister company – Zulu Ranger Safaris – to provide all required PFTC firearm training while you are on course. Students are trained on the required manually operated rifle unit standards as required for trails, and have the option at extra cost – to also complete training for other firearm categories such as handgun, shotgun or self-loading rifle.
b) Advanced Rifle Handling – this is a FGASA (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa) qualification that was developed specifically for guides working with rifles in areas with potentially dangerous game. The qualification consists of a thorough practical assessment carried out with a large calibre rifle (usually .375 H&H) as well as a theory knowledge exam.
c) Knowledge of Animal Behaviour – especially those regarded as potentially dangerous game.
d) Track and sign interpretation – which includes the skills associated with both Tracking and Trailing wild animals in order to locate them or interpret their behaviour.
e) FGASA Examination and practical FGASA Apprentice Trails Mentorship Evaluation
Once the candidate is successful, he or she will be accepted by FGASA into the Trails Mentorship programme as an Apprentice Trails Guide. The process of gaining experience, with a recognised FGASA Trails Mentor now starts. At Bhejane we are fortunate to have one of FGASA’s top Trails Guide’s Mentors, Dylan Panos, on hand to conduct these evaluations on course and where time and conditions allow, provide for students to start logging hours towards their 2nd rifle experience requirements.
Frequently asked questions.
Why do Trails Guides carry rifles?
Trails guides sometimes carry rifles for the purpose of safety and protection. In certain wilderness areas, especially those with potentially dangerous wildlife, carrying a rifle can act as a deterrent or a means of defence against any potential threats.
While encounters with dangerous wildlife are rare, it is important for trails guides to be prepared and capable of protecting themselves and their guests in the event of an emergency. The rifles carried by trails guides are typically used as a last resort and are only used in self-defence situations where there is an immediate threat to life. It is crucial for trails guides to undergo proper training and obtain the necessary permits and certifications to carry firearms responsibly and safely while on the trail.
How long does it take to become a fully qualified FGASA Trails Guide?
Becoming a fully qualified FGASA Trails Guide can vary based on individual circumstances and the training program followed. It is important to note that acquiring a substantial amount of practical experience is a significant aspect of becoming a fully qualified Trails Guide. The requirements for practical experience can vary but typically involve a certain number of hours spent guiding on foot or completing trails-specific tasks, which may take additional time to accumulate.
Overall, the entire process of becoming a fully qualified Trails Guide can take anywhere from six months to a year or more, depending on the training program, personal dedication, and availability of practical experience opportunities.
I am cut out to be a future Trails Guide?
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Where can I get more information?
Bhejane Nature Training is proud to able to offer fully accredited PFTC Firearm Training, as well as being a recognized FGASA delivery partner for Trails Guide Training, led by our in-house firearms instructor and trails guide mentor. This makes for a well rounded and comprehensive course, allowing our students to get knowledge, experience, and assessment for all components of Trails Guide Training. Contact us to request the full info pack on our career and trails guide courses.
Posted on: 21 April, 2024 by the Bhejane Tribe