WHAT IS A DSC1?
The Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1 (DSC1) is a nationally recognised, foundation qualification in deer management. It is quality assured and awarded through Deer Management Qualifications (DMQ )– the body which was established to maintain standards in the industry.
The DSC1 is the most widely respected and accepted qualification in the deer and land management sectors in the UK. Police forces often request the DSC1 qualification before issuing a Firearms Certificate (FAC) with a deer condition for the first time. Many public and private landowners request the qualification as evidence of basic competency in deer stalking and management.
Already signed up to your DSC1 Online? You can login to access your training here.
COURSE OVERVIEW
The BDS Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1 (DSC1) Online Course with Assessment Day package provides a comprehensive introduction to deer stalking and deer management. It is a training course that is recommended for beginners, but which can also be useful for experienced deer managers who may need to demonstrate their competency through a formal qualification.
The course is delivered in two stages: the first is online learning via our training education platform, then the second is an in-person Assessment Day which you choose when booking at one of our existing training venues that are available throughout the UK.
If you successfully complete all in-person assessments to the required standards on this course, you will receive a nationally recognised, quality assured, DMQ Level 1 Deer Stalking Certificate (DSC1).
The cost of the course is £340.00 and includes:
- All five DSC1 assessments (in-person at a BDS training venue) with a qualified Assessor
- 20 online video presentations covering all essential learning topics
- Digitized reading resources from the BDS Training Manual for Deer Stalkers
- 27 interactive quizzes that extensively test your knowledge and understanding
- Full support via email from the BDS Training Team experts
- A live online Q&A session with the BDS Training Team experts
- Registration to Deer Management Qualifications (DMQ)
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COURSE DELIVERY
STAGE 1 - ONLINE LEARNING
Through our online education platform, you will have access to all the learning materials needed to prepare you for your DSC1 Assessment. The platform includes 21 modules covering all essential topics from deer ecology through to firearms safety. Each module includes video presentations with background reading and then a quiz (or two!) to enhance and check your learning.
Most modules take between 1-2 hours to complete. Estimated total learning time is between 24-28 hours (including reading and quizzes). For those with limited time (2-4 hours/week) we therefore recommend giving yourself up to 10-12 weeks to study everything in time for your Assessment Day.
Throughout the course you will have access to dedicated email support from our training team experts.
As your selected Assessment Day approaches you will receive an invitation to join a live online Q&A session with our training team where they will answer any remaining questions and provide a run through of what will be expected from you on your Assessment Day.
STAGE 2 - FACE TO FACE ASSESSMENT
When you book your DSC1 Online Course you will be asked to select a specific Assessment Day from the list of locations and dates available.
You will need to attend your selected DSC1 Assessment Day in person. The day includes five assessments. You are required to pass all five to be awarded a DSC1 Certificate.
Practical safety and shooting (marksmanship) assessments are included in the assessment process. If you do not have your own rifle and Firearms Certificate, please inform us on booking, we will then be able to provide a BDS rifle subject to our rifle club rules.
One of the DSC1 assessments also forms the theory element of the DMQ Wild Game Meat Hygiene (Large Game) – which is a mandatory prerequisite for progressing to a DSC2 and gaining Trained Person’ status (a.k.a. ‘Trained Hunter’).
Depending on the venue, you can expect between 10-15 other DSC1 candidates on your Assessment Day, in addition to BDS trainers, assessors and range volunteers.
KEY COURSE TOPICS
- Deer biology and ecology – the life and reproductive cycles, habitat requirements and behaviour of the six species of wild deer.
- The law – the legal basis for the use of firearms and the culling of wild deer.
- Stalking techniques and taking the shot – a theoretical knowledge of the basis of stalking techniques, points of aim and the reaction of the deer to shot placement.
- Deer identification – an ability to identify the six species of deer normally found in the wild in the UK, being able to distinguish between the male and female of each species in both summer and winter coat.
- Safety – an ability to safely handle firearms and other tools and equipment in a simulated stalking environment. This includes the use of knives and extraction equipment where appropriate.
- Shooting – an ability to shoot accurately and consistently in a simulated stalking environment.
- Large Game (Wild Game Meat Hygiene) – knowledge of the inspection of carcasses and the legal requirements.
You will be required to demonstrate knowledge and skills in all these topic areas if you are to successfully pass the five formal, in-person assessments and be awarded the nationally recognised, accredited DMQ Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1 (DSC1) qualification.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
If you already have a bit of experience handling and shooting a firearm and some basic knowledge about deer, stalking and their management then the DSC1 course is right for you.
The DSC1 course is there to help beginners take their first step towards becoming a proficient, competent deer stalker and manager. The industry recognised DMQ accredited DSC1 qualification that you gain on successful completion of the course is also often required to obtain a Firearms license with a deer condition for the first time.
If you are unsure whether deer stalking, and deer management, are right for you then our three-day classroom based DSC1 course may be more suited to your needs.
To successfully pass the five assessments on your in-person Assessment Day and receive the Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1 qualification, it is recommended to study all the course materials.
The online learning stage of the BDS DSC1 Online Course is made up of 21 modules. On average, each module requires 1-2 hours of time to complete. This includes time watching the video presentations, doing the background reading, and completing the quizzes that test your learning. A couple of the modules take longer and require 3-4 hours of time to complete.
In total the course is estimated to take 24-28 hours of focused study time. We recommend to taking account of this before booking your course to ensure you leave yourself enough time to study before your in-person Assessment Day. Most people will benefit from completing the learning materials a number of times.
Absolutely!
If you have a question whilst completing your online learning, you can submit it via a special DSC1 online question form and our highly experienced and expert training team will get back to you with an answer via email. (Please note their working hours are Monday-Friday, 9-5, except bank holidays).
And – it that wasn’t enough, roughly two weeks before your Assessment Day you will get to join a live online Q&A session (via Microsoft Teams) with our training team. During this session they will answer any further questions you may have and run through how the Assessment Day will work and what will be expected of you.
The session will usually take place early evening.
Currently there are four different pathways available to selling or supplying venison into the food chain. Each involves different requirements – which are listed here on our Selling and Supplying Venison in the UK Summary Sheet.
The DSC1, and in particular the Large Game assessment which forms the theory element of the DMQ Wild Game Meat Hygiene, alongside the other requirements listed on the Summary Sheet, supports you in selling or supplying venison locally (in-skin or processed) and/or for your own consumption.
To sell any deer you manage to an Approved Game Handling Establishment (AGHE/Game Dealer) you must acquire Trained Person’ status (commonly also known as a ‘Trained Hunter’). This can be achieved through the Deer Stalking Certificate Level 2 (DSC2) deer management qualification.
The DSC1 Large Game – Wild Game Meat Hygiene assessment is a mandatory prerequisite for progressing to the DSC2 qualification.
Trained Person, or ‘Trained Hunter’ status is only required if you plan to sell or supply venison to a Approved Game Handling Establishment (AGHE/Game Dealer).
See: BDS Supplying and Selling Venison in the UK Summary Sheet
To achieve Trained Hunter status to meet the Food Hygiene Regulations 2004, individuals will need to undertake the DSC2 after successful completion of DSC1.
Learn more: What is the DSC2 in deer management?
MORE ABOUT THE ‘TRAINED HUNTER’ STATUS
A ‘Trained Hunter’ or ‘Trained Person’ as defined by the Food Standard Agency (FSA) is: “a person who has undertaken appropriate training to be able to carry out an initial examination of the wild game in the field, to identify any characteristics that may indicate that the meat presents a health risk”.
See: Training requirements in Health and Hygiene in relation to wild game by the FSA.
See: Deer Management Qualifications’ (DMQ) summary of Trained Hunter or Trained Person status
If you have already registered with Deer Management Qualifications (DMQ) and need to retake one or more of the DSC1 assessments to complete your DSC1 qualification, these can be taken by attending the relevant Assessment Day on any of our scheduled DSC1 courses that have available places.
Each assessment costs £25.00 to retake. All assessments must be taken within a three year period from first registration for the award.
Download: DSC1 Retake Assessment Form
Have a question that’s not answered here? Please send it via email to: education@bds.org.uk.
COURSE BENEFITS
DSC1 is the industry standard introductory qualification for deer managers in the UK. The BDS is one of the leading organisations, and only charity, offering DSC1 courses that are quality assured by Deer Management Qualifications (DMQ).
The DMQ’s DSC1 Qualification is the most widely recognized, respected and accepted qualifications in the deer and land management sectors in the UK. The police recognise, and often request, the DSC1 qualification before issuing a firearms certificate with a deer condition for the first time, and many public and private landowners request the qualification as evidence of basic competency in deer management.
The BDS is currently the only organisation able to offer a quality assured DMQ DSC1 Qualification via an online learning approach with in-person Assessment Day.
Maintenance of best practice standards in the industry is critical to ensuring ethical, sustainable and welfare-focused deer management practices.
Through the inclusion of a full, in-person Assessment Day that includes all five DSC1 assessments, this course ensures the maintenance of existing standards.
The BDS has over 60 years’ experience in the development and delivery of training and education for the deer management sector.
Our training delivery team are deer and deer management experts with many years of experience between them.
Throughout your online learning experience you will have full access to their knowledge and experience through email communication and then via a live online Q&A session a couple of weeks before your Assessment Day. We highly recommend utilising these resources alongside your own study of the online learning materials to ensure you get the most out of this course and be fully prepared for your Assessment Day.
Before the launch of the BDS Online DSC1 beginners to stalking could only gain the DSC1 qualification through attending a 3-day, intensive 9-5, in-person training course and assessment.
Whilst there are many benefits to learning in-person with an expert trainer, not everyone can find time to travel to and attend a course for 3 days in a row. Additionally, this intensive style of learning, whilst spot on for some people, may not suit others.
The first online learning stage of this course reduces these barriers and allows you to learn everything you need, at your own pace over several weeks, and all from the comfort of your own home.
With the majority of modules taking between 1-2 hours to complete and the estimated total learning time being 24-28 hours (including reading and quizzes) we recommend allowing yourself enough time before your in-person Assessment Day to study all necessary materials. If, for example, you can only spare 2-3 hours a week for your learning, you would ideally be looking to start the course 10-12 weeks before your in-person Assessment Day. Most people will benefit from completing the learning materials a number of times.
With the cost-of-living crisis accommodation costs are continuously on the rise. For those that have to travel substantial distances to attend a 3-day in-person DSC1 course, these additional accommodation costs to stay in the nearby area can make obtaining the DSC1 qualification very expensive.
By providing the ability for candidates to learn all the essential DSC1 course materials online, with full access to expert help and guidance alongside, during the first stage of this course, a substantial proportion of these additional accommodation costs are removed.
This makes choosing the BDS Online DSC1 Course with Assessment Day better value for money for many people.
USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT THE COURSE ASSESSMENT DAY
On the in-person Assessment Day:
- Rifles: A rifle legal for shooting deer in the UK is required for the shooting assessment. Any candidate who wishes to borrow a BDS Club rifle may legally borrow one free of charge under the BDS Gun Club rules. To be eligible to borrow a rifle you must be a member of the BDS.
- Candidates who hold a current Firearms Certificate (FAC) will be required to produce it for inspection.
- All candidates without an FAC will be required to sign the Section 21 declaration at each course or event prior to shooting.
Candidates must not be a prohibited persons under Section 21 1968 Firearms Act or under Article 63 2004 Firearms (N Ireland) Order.
USEFUL RESOURCES TO SUPPORT YOUR LEARNING
BDS DEER STALKING & MANAGEMENT COURSE REVIEWS
Read what previous candidates have said about our DSC1 course
OTHER DSC1 COURSES OFFERED BY THE BDS
DSC1 Three Day IN-PERSON Course
DSC1 courses are run by the Society over three days at several locations throughout the UK.
The course comprises two days of professional classroom instruction including a series of lectures, videos and discussion and a day at the range testing your field safety and shooting.
There are five assessments to be undertaken, resulting in a DSC1 Certificate for those who achieve the pass grade.
The three-day DSC1 training course costs £295.00. This includes all assessments, a comprehensive 327-page training manual and DMQ registration.
DSC1 In-person Assessment Day Only
Deer Management Qualifications (DMQ) recognise that people with considerable prior knowledge and experience may not feel the need to attend a full training course and may only wish to take the DSC1 assessments.
The British Deer Society has a limited number of assessment only places available on each DSC1 course.
Assessment only attendees will be asked to attend for the specific assessment period ONLY and no tuition will be given.
However, you may benefit from refreshing your knowledge by purchasing a BDS Training Manual and/or by using our revision online course Ultimate Deer Data training.
