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Deer Stalking Certificate - DSC1
Aim
The Deer Stalking Certificate (both DSC1 and DSC2) is available from a number of assessment centres around the country, one of which is BASC.
BASC DSC1 courses are designed for the sportsperson who has recently taken up stalking and is seeking further advice and guidance. The courses will provide an insight into and a wider understanding of deer stalking techniques and deer management. A successful delegate will be awarded the Deer Management Qualifications, Deer Stalking Certificate One and the Large Game theory element of DMQ Wild Game Meat Hygiene. To gain full Large Game Trained Hunter status to meet the Food Hygiene regulations 2004 individuals will need to undertake the DSC 2 after successful completion of the DSC1.
DMQ will still accept Approved Prior Learning (APL) for Food Standards Agency approved Trained Hunter Qualifications such as those issued by the NGO or Lantra.
The facility for holders of a relevant Trained Hunter qualification such as those issued by NGO or Lantra not to have to sit the DSC1 Game Meat theory assessment remains unchanged, providing candidates produce for examination the original qualification and a copy of the original qualification for retention by the assessor.
If bringing your own rifle, it must be a deer legal calibre. Ammunition should be factory produced (no home loaded ammunition). .22 centrefire ammunition must have bullet weight of 50 grain or more and produce at least 1,000 ft lb of muzzle energy. Rifles will be provided for those who do not own one. You should be able to consistently hit a 4” target at 100 metres and shoot laying down, kneeling and off sticks for the shooting element of the assessments. It is advisable to gain some experience shooting a deer calibre rifle in these positions and at distances between 70-100m prior to attending the course. Demand for the DSC1 courses is usually high and places are allocated on a ‘first come first served’ basis.
Any person booking for a DSC1 Course or Assessment only before the 1 April 2021 will, when gaining DSC1, also obtain Trained Hunter.
Those taking assessment on or after 1 April 2021, if failing any element will be given a referral sheet as normal. On completion of all assessments which must be within 3 years from date of registration, they will also receive trained hunter with their DSC 1 providing they booked a course or assessment prior to 1 April 2021.
All persons currently in possession of a referral sheet or for any issued to those who booked prior to 1 April 2021 will gain Trained Hunter with DSC1 on completion.
Cost
£295 for BASC Members
£385 for non BASC members
Prices include DSC1 manual on USB. If you require a printed version at £27, please call 01244 573018
Course length
4 days
Important information
- We recommend that DSC1 candidates start studying at least eight weeks prior to your course.
- Ammunition must be factory produced (no home loaded ammunition). .22 centrefire ammunition must be bullet weight 50 grain or more and 1,000ft lb muzzle energy.
- Delegates who hold a current FAC will be required to produce it for inspection at BASC courses or events.
- All delegates will be required to sign the Section 21 declaration at each course or event prior to shooting.
- Delegates must not be a prohibited person under Section 21 1968 Firearms Act or under Article 63 2004 Firearms (N Ireland) Order.
Deer Stalking Certificate - DSC1 Courses
Cancellation Policy
Should there be insufficient bookings, BASC reserves the right to cancel the course. In the interests of fairness BASC will aim to notify candidates of cancellation as soon as possible before the advertised start date.
We strongly recommend that any accommodation you book is on a refundable basis, as BASC will not be responsible for any losses incurred by candidates in the event the course is cancelled.
Member Cancellation
If for any reason you cancel your place on the course then the following scale of charges may apply:-
| Charge | Refund | |
| Reallocation to another course (only available 8 weeks or more before the course start date) | £25 | N/A |
| 2nd Reallocation to another course (only available 8 weeks or more before the course start date AND in exceptional circumstances) | £50 | N/A |
| Cancellation more than 8 weeks before the course start date | £80.40 | £187.60 |
| Cancellation less than 8 weeks but more than 4 weeks before the course start date | £160.80 | £107.20 |
| Cancellation less than 4 weeks before the course start date | £260.00 | £35.00 |
Non-member Cancellation
If for any reason you cancel your place on the course then the following scale of charges may apply:-
| Charge | Refund | |
| Reallocation to another course (only available 8 weeks or more before the course start date) | £25 | N/A |
| 2nd Reallocation to another course (only available 8 weeks or more before the course start date AND in exceptional circumstances) | £50 | N/A |
| Cancellation more than 8 weeks before the course start date | £110.00 | £165.00 |
| Cancellation less than 8 weeks but more than 4 weeks before the course start date | £206.25 | £68.75 |
| Cancellation less than 4 weeks before the course start date | £230.00 | £45.00 |
Please note that there will be a non-returnable charge of £27 for the training manual in the event of cancellation.
An experienced candidate may wish to undertake the assessment only, without the training. This is possible by booking onto an assessment only day, further details and costs are available from the Training & Education Department contact: 01244 573018.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any person booking for a DSC1 Course or Assessment only before the 1 April 2021 will, when gaining DSC1, also obtain Trained Hunter. Those taking assessment on or after 1 April 2021, if failing any element will be given a referral sheet as normal. On completion of all assessments which must be within 3 years from date of registration, they will also receive trained hunter with their DSC 1 providing they booked a course or assessment prior to 1 April 2021.
All persons currently in possession of a referral sheet or for any issued to those who booked prior to 1 April 2021 will gain Trained Hunter with DSC1 on completion.
It must be a deer legal calibre. Ammunition should be factory produced (no home loaded ammunition). .22 centrefire ammunition must have bullet weight of 50 grain or more and produce at least 1,000 ft lb of muzzle energy.
Rifles will be provided for those who do not own one. You should be able to consistently hit a 4″ target at 100 metres and shoot laying down, kneeling and off sticks for the shooting element of the assessments.
DMQ will still accept Approved Prior Learning (APL) for Food Standards Agency approved Trained Hunter Qualifications such as those issued by the NGO or Lantra and you will not be required to take the WGMH written assessment. You need to bring the original certificate and copy of the certificate to the course as proof of holding the qualification. The assessor will retain the copy of your certificate for our records.
You do not need any experience of stalking if you attend a training course run by one of the Assessment Centres. If you have no experience of stalking, knowledge of deer or relevant legislation then it is likely that you will need to do some studying and gain some experience before attempting a DSC1 assessment. It is recommended you allow at least 8 weeks before your course to study the manual you receive when you register.
You will be issued a referral sheet which details which assessments you need to re sit. You have 3 years from the date of your original assessment to re-take those remaining assessments. You do not need to go on another course, but you will need to contact the assessment centre to arrange a date for the resits.
Yes, you can book onto an assessment only this usually involves attending the final day(s) of an existing course just to undertake the assessments.
You need to be 18 and a BASC member. If you are under 18 please contact BASC Deer Assessment Centre.
Plaudits
“Just to say thank you very much for allowing me to attend the DSC1 last week. I was extremely impressed at the standard of the training and the depth of knowledge that is gained both from the pre-course information and the course itself. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and I found it extremely useful talking with the other students during the course, gaining an insight into the various issues that affect them.
Having completed the course (and hopefully passed) I feel that it has benefited me greatly. It is no exaggeration when I say that my knowledge of the subject has improved massively and this will without doubt assist my role.
I was extremely impressed with the level of knowledge and experience of the trainer. He was excellent during the training and extremely supportive assisting with my preparation. It is clear he has a huge amount of experience and I found it very useful listening to his practical advice.
Once again, thank you and I look forward to the potential partnership working opportunities in the future”. CC
“The BASC DSC1 course has greatly exceeded expectations. The depth of knowledge and experience from the team training us was brilliant. Over and above the DSC1 syllabus, one of the trainers went the extra mile by showing us how to gralloch a deer, inspect the carcass and the pluck, then skin and butcher it. Well done!”
“Excellent course, very professionally presented much appreciated the accommodation for myself and another disabled attendee”
“I have just successfully completed the Deer Identification quiz which was sent out to DSC1 students preparing for their course. I found it very enjoyable and helpful with a good level of challenging pictures mixed in with the ones that I knew straight away. Sometimes it is a little hard to pick up a book and start revising but the quiz was an entertaining way to revise and test the level of my knowledge at the same time.”
“I wanted to pass on my thanks to the whole Education team for what I found to be a well run, enjoyable and informative DSC1 course. As with all courses I have attended through BASC, this one was certainly worthwhile and valuable.”
“Excellent course, instructor was passionate and knowledgeable, really enjoyed it.”
“I believe this course is invaluable in training people to hunt/stalk in a responsible manner, and is an aid to ending bad practise.”
“A fantastic, well run course. Genuinely could not be better, great instruction great pace. The trainer kept it interesting and exciting, I really felt I have learnt something here and am so glad for coming on the course.”
“Online knowledge check pre-course was excellent and very helpful.”
“A really well run course with a knowledgeable and approachable instructor.”
“I’ve just taken the excellent DSC1 course hosted by BASC, the course was superb, the trainer’s instruction and knowledge of the subject was great, I definitely learnt a lot and really think anyone (in my humble opinion) applying for an FAC should take this course if only for the safety and legal information. I felt very comfortable under the trainer’s instruction and would have no hesitation recommending the course to anyone.”
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