Chris Hanks — From Field Coach to APSI Director: A Modern Shooting Legend

For Years, Lady’s Wood Shooting School has been synonymous with exceptional coaching, true countryside spirit, and world-class instruction. At the heart of that reputation stands one man: Chris Hanks — a coach, leader, mentor, and now director within the British shooting community.

A Lifetime in Shooting Chris’s journey into the world of shooting began long before he ever picked up a coaching stopwatch. Raised in Herefordshire on a shooting estate where his father served as head keeper, Chris learned early the rhythms of country life: feeding pens, dogging in and out, and absorbing fieldcraft from those around him. This upbringing didn't just give him skills — it gave him a lifelong passion for the sport.  His formal foundation in wildlife and habitat management — including studies at Hartpury College and the University of Cumbria at Newton Rigg — alongside gamekeeping roles on estates across the UK, laid the groundwork for a deep, well-rounded expertise in both field and coaching.

Lady's Wood: A Home for Excellence.  Chris joined Lady's Wood Shooting School full-time in May 2013 and over the next decade has become one of its defining figures. What began as a role focused on coaching and field instruction has grown into something far larger — a testament to his dedication and ability to connect with shooters of all levels.  Over the past 13 years, Chris has dedicated countless hours to coaching in the field, racking up more than 1,250 days of coaching with clients, both new and experienced. That's thousands of shots called, hundreds of techniques honed, and countless confident shooters sent home with a smile. (User-provided stats)

Whether guiding someone through their first game shoot or refining the technique of seasoned competitors, Chris brings a blend of knowledge, insight, and laid-back clarity that his clients trust and enjoy.

APSI Leadership — Shaping the Future of Instructor Training.  Chris’s influence extends well beyond Lady's Wood. He has taken on increasing responsibility within the Association of Professional Shooting Instructors (APSI) — the body dedicated to maintaining high standards across the UK's shooting instruction community.  Initially joining the APSI board in 2016, Chris now serves as a Director of APSI and plays a pivotal role in developing and delivering instructor training courses. He coordinates and teaches on APSI instructor programmes, helping to shape the next generation of professional instructors in the UK. His work with APSI underscores not just his mastery of shooting skills but his commitment to raising the bar for quality, safety, and professionalism in the sport.

What Makes Chris Special?  What truly sets Chris apart isn't just his technical ability or his long resume. It's his approach: coaching that's grounded in real field experience, delivered with patience, openness, and encouragement. It's a style that keeps shooters coming back season after season, and helps learners of all abilities improve with confidence.  From his early days as a gamekeeper to his leadership roles across one of the UK's leading shooting schools and professional bodies, Chris's journey reflects the evolution of British shooting instruction itself.