Deer Stalking Certification

Here at Shooting.sh we can provide our syndicate members with nationally recognised deer stalking qualifications.

The DSC1 deer stalking certification is a course that is designed to help individuals learn about the art of deer stalking. The course provides a comprehensive overview of all aspects of deer stalking, from identification and understanding the animal’s behavior, to choosing the right equipment and techniques for the hunt.

The benefits of taking the DSC1 deer stalking certification are numerous. Firstly, it provides participants with the skills and knowledge they need to stalk deer successfully. Secondly, it helps to build confidence in those who take the course, giving them the ability to safely and confidently pursue deer in the field. 

Deer Stalking Certificate Levels

There are 2 levels of deer stalking certificates available from us to our syndicate members:

DSC1 – This is the basic deer stalking certificate and is suitable for anyone who wants to start stalking deer. It covers the essentials of deer stalking such as understanding deer behavior, selecting the correct equipment, and how to stalk and butcher a deer ethically.

You will learn about shot placement and how to shoot deer in an ethical manner. The theory side of the course is held online with a 1 day exam to take place at our assessment center.

DSC2 – This certificate is designed for those who want to take their deer stalking skills to the next level. It covers more advanced topics such as shooting principles, fieldcraft, and tracking wounded deer.

Benefits of Holding a DSC2 certification

DSC2 is a UK accreditation that is offered to those who have completed an appropriate training course and can demonstrate they have the necessary skills and knowledge to stalk deer ethically and responsibly.

The benefits of holding DSC2  include access to a number of special privileges, such as being able to sell the meat you catch and being able to use a .22 Magnum calibre rifle for deer hunting.

The accreditations are run by the British Deer Society (BDS) and is open to anyone who meets the requirements.

To achieve a level DSC2 status, participants must first complete an approved training course. Once they have done this, they will need to pass an observed assessment which tests their knowledge and skills. After successfully passing the assessment, participants will be issued with a deer stalking qualification and card which entitles them to the privileges.

What you learn in the DSC1 Qualification

Deer Biology

As part of your DSC 1 course, you will learn about deer biology and ecology. The topic covers the life and reproductive cycles, habitat requirements, and behavior of the six species of wild deer. 

In general, deer are adaptable animals that live in a variety of habitats including forests, brushlands, meadows, and even urban areas. Each species of deer has its own unique adaptations and behaviors that help it survive in its specific environment.

Deer are herbivores and their diet consists mainly of leaves, shoots, grasses and fruits. They consume up to 5% of their body weight each day and can travel long distances in search of food. Deer are social animals that live in herds which provide security and support. 

Mature males (bucks) establish territories that they defend against other bucks. Rutting season (the mating season) is from September to November and after a gestation period of around 200 days, females give birth to one or two fawns. Fawns are typically brown with white spots and can run within minutes of being born.

Deer Identification

Deer identification is the process of distinguishing between different types of deer. This is typically done by examining the different physical characteristics of each species, such as the shape of their antlers, the coloration of their fur, and the size of their body.

Safety

ShootingSH provides instruction on how to use firearms safely when deer stalking. The courses are designed to ensure that those who attend have the skills and knowledge required to be safe while hunting. The instructors are all highly experienced in the field and are passionate about teaching safe shooting practices.

When you are out deer stalking, it is important that you know how to use firearms safely. This means taking into account things like the direction the bullet is traveling in and making sure you are aware of your surroundings at all times. It is also important to be familiar with the weapon you are using and to practice using it beforehand.

The Law Surrounding Deer Stalking

The law surrounding deer stalking in the UK is fairly complex, as it is covered by a variety of different pieces of legislation. In general, deer stalking is allowed provided that the correct permits are obtained and the stalker adheres to the relevant laws and regulations.

One of the key pieces of legislation governing deer stalking is the Deer Act 1991. This act sets out the rules and regulations that must be followed when hunting or taking deer. It covers a range of topics, from the definition of deer to the methods that can be used to take them.

The Deer Act 1991 requires anyone wishing to hunt deer to obtain a deer stalking licence from their local authority. To be eligible for a licence, you must meet certain criteria, such as being over 18 years old and having a good knowledge of the countryside and its wildlife.

In addition to the Deer Act 1991, there are also a number of other pieces of legislation that apply to deer stalking. For example, under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is illegal to kill, injure or take deer without lawful authority. This means that you must have a valid deer stalking licence in order to hunt or take deer.

If you break any of these laws, you could face prosecution and could end up with a criminal record. It is therefore important to make sure that you are familiar with all of the relevant legislation before embarking on a deer stalk. All of this information is covered when you obtain your deer stalking license through Shootingsh.

How to Shoot Accurately Whilst Deer Stalking

If you want to be a successful deer stalker, you must know how to shoot accurately. To do this, you need to understand the principles of ballistics and how they apply to your rifle. You also need to practice regularly so that you can put your skills into practice in the field.

In order to pass the DSC2 exam, you must be able to shoot accurately from a variety of positions, including standing, kneeling, and sitting. You must also be able to hit a target at distances of up to 100 yards.

Completing your DSC2 Qualification

Candidates who register for the DSC 2 assessment are given three years to complete their evidence gathering.

This means that they must collect evidence of their skills in deer stalking and submit it to the DSC 2 electronic portfolio. The evidence can include photographs, videos, and written statements from witnesses. Once you have collected all of this evidence, you must submit it to the DSC 2 electronic portfolio for assessment.

Our deer stalking certificates are the perfect way for you to learn how to stalk deer in the field. Our experts will observe you and give you feedback so that you can pass the DSC2.

You will learn advanced stalking techniques from a trained hunter and learn other factors such as advanced hygiene rules unsuring meat is safe for human consumption.

Gralloching

Gralloching is the process of removing the internal organs of a deer carcass. The heart, lungs, liver and intestines are all removed and inspected. This is done to check for any signs of disease or infection. The gralloching process also helps to preserve the meat of the deer.

This allows hunters to sell meat that has been inspected and of good quality to restaurants and other local food establishments in the uk.

You will be observed in the element of Gralloching and can take our butchery course to ensure you fully understand game meat hygiene and the proper techniques to be used during gralloching.