DSC1 Online Training with The British Deer Society (BDS)

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By Charles Smith-Jones, BDS Technical Adviser at The British Deer Society

What is the DSC1 - Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1?

The Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1 (DSC1) was launched in 1998 and is today the standout national foundation qualification for deer stalkers, deer managers and those working closely with them. It is quality assured and awarded through Deer Management Qualifications (DMQ) – the body which was established to maintain standards in the deer management sector. With nearly 33,000 holders, the qualification is fully recognised, highly respected and readily used to demonstrate proof of competency to firearms licensing authorities, landowners and wildlife, conservation and environment managers across the UK.

Is the DSC1 just for deer stalkers?

Absolutely not! DSC1 provides a first-class grounding in deer and their management for anyone working in conservation, ecology, rewilding or similar sectors. Even if you have no personal interest in shooting deer, the course will provide you with the confidence and knowledge to communicate with those who plan, oversee or conduct deer management – especially those specifically carrying out management for biodiversity conservation and nature restoration.

The following elements are comprehensively covered:

• Deer biology and ecology – the life and reproductive cycles, habitat requirements and behaviour of the UK’s six species of wild deer.
• Deer identification – distinguishing deer species by sex and in summer or winter coats.
• The law – as it applies to the culling of wild deer.
• Stalking techniques.
• Safety – handling firearms and other tools and equipment, including the use of knives and extraction equipment where appropriate.
• Shooting – shooting accurately and consistently in a simulated stalking environment.
• Large Game Meat Hygiene – inspection of carcases, identifying health issues, and other legal requirements associated with handling shot venison.

Non-shooters should not be put off by the more practical elements. All of the equipment required can be provided, and any necessary coaching can be given before the relevant assessments are actually taken.

Can you do the DSC1 online?

Many people who want to complete the DSC1 are sometimes put off by the time, travel and expense involved. A residential course can last three or four days, with travel and accommodation often ramping up the attendance costs to a level that many find prohibitive, to say nothing of the time spent away from work or family.

In September 2024 the British Deer Society (BDS) launched a new ‘blended’ version of the DSC1 which combines the convenience of online study with the diligence of in-person assessment. This makes the DSC1 training more accessible and flexible for aspiring deer stalkers as well as wildlife, land and environment managers without compromising the high standards of quality and excellence that the BDS is proud to promote.

A formal assessment day, covering all of the separate written and practical assessments, including marksmanship and safety elements, really sets the new format apart from other online learning. After all, a qualification holds little value unless it is proven that the individual meets all of the learning objectives.

“Our new format will help reduce some of the barriers to entry that many individuals face when pursuing professional qualifications in deer management,” said Nick Rout, Head of BDS Training and Education. “In the current economic climate, making training more accessible without compromising quality is essential.”

Overview of the BDS DSC1 Online Course with In-Person Assessment Day

The BDS DSC1 Online Course allows participants to complete the learning component of the DSC1 on a dedicated training and education platform. This means that learning can be completed in your own time and, importantly, in a place that is convenient for you. The only ‘away time’ is an in-person Assessment Day at one of various BDS venues across the UK. This blended structure ensures that while the learning style has evolved to be more accessible, the high quality of training and rigorous verification of assessments is maintained.

“We have worked hard to develop a course that meets the demands of modern learners without sacrificing the high standards we’ve always maintained,” said Nick Rout. “The in-person Assessment Day with support from the training team ensures that our welfare and competency standards, which are key to deer management, remain intact.”

The BDS DSC1 Online Course includes the following features:

• Comprehensive Online Learning: Video presentations, digitised resources from the BDS Training Manual for Deer Stalkers, and interactive quizzes to test participants’ knowledge.
• Expert Support: Full email support and a live online Q&A session with BDS’s specialist training team to help participants prepare for their in-person assessments.
• In-Person Assessment: All five DSC1 assessments will be conducted at a BDS training venue of the candidate’s choice, ensuring that candidates meet the same high standards as those attending a traditional in-person course. There is no change to the three years’ grace already allowed between registration and completing the assessments.
• Nationally Recognised Certification: On successful completion, participants will earn the nationally recognised DSC1 qualification, quality-assured and awarded through Deer Management Qualifications (DMQ).

Learn more about the DSC1 Online Course and the BDS

DSC1 Online: Full course details and booking 

The British Deer Society’s online DSC1 course is open for enrolment. The course cost includes full access to all online materials, the in-person assessments (all completed in one day) and email support from our team of highly experienced deer managers.

Learn more: DSC1 Online Course with In-person Assessment Day

Book a course: View DSC1 Online Course dates

Have a question about DSC1 Online? Contact the BDS

The British Deer Society (BDS)

The BDS is the UK’s only charity dedicated to wild deer. Their mission is to educate and inspire everyone about deer, highlight the importance of evidence-based deer management, and champion deer welfare relentlessly.

They envision a UK where wild deer:

• are valued and respected,
• face minimal threats to their welfare,
• thrive in harmony with their environment,
• support a more ethical, sustainable food sector.

They pursue their mission through education, awareness raising, training and mentoring, research and advocacy. 

Learn more about The British Deer Society.

Find all courses advertised on the CJS Training Directory here 

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