The Deer Stalking Certificates (both DSC1 and DSC2) are available from a number of Assessment Centres around the country, one of which is BASC.
The DSC2 qualification is not obtained via a course but instead a portfolio of evidence that the candidate will gather together and submit for formal assessment. This evidence comprises of one stalk which is witnessed by DMQ Approved Witness, written up and submitted to the portfolio. This is then assessed and verified and, providing it meets the required standards, the DSC2 certificate including Large Game Trained Hunter status requirements to meet the Food Hygiene regulations 2004 will be awarded. This process is administered by the Assessment Centre which adheres to a robust set of rules based on nationally recognised standards. Assessment Centres are overseen by external verifiers who ensure that records are maintained, and assessments are carried out fairly and thoroughly.
The DSC1 and DSC2 is overseen by the industry leading body, Deer Management Qualification (DMQ), with members from various representatives in the industry sitting on the Board.
Candidates wishing to undertake the DSC2 will register and receive an email from the Deer Assessment Centre with the login details and password for their online account. Along with this email will be guidance notes which candidates should read thoroughly before proceeding any further. An Assessor will already have been allocated.
Before embarking on their DSC2 candidates should contact their allocated Assessor, who will offer advice. Assessors carry a professional standing in the area of deer management and also hold a National Assessor Qualification. This makes them ideally suited to compare the evidence submitted to the requirements of the award, thereby ensuring that the standard is being met.
They will clarify any aspect of the evidence requirements, with the candidate.
Once a candidate has had initial contact with their Assessor and understands the components and standards required, he can go stalking with an Approved Witness. This is someone who would be present when a deer was killed and the carcass inspected and prepared, and who has already been sponsored by DMQ as a suitably knowledgeable person who understands the standard required. They will know what an Assessor’s role is and will already hold a DSC2 DMQ award. Once a candidate has registered, their e-portfolio account will have a list of all Approved Witnesses in the resources area. It is imperative that the witness chosen is a DMQ Approved Witness.
The cost of the DSC2 registration does not include the cost of any witnessed stalks. This is to be agreed and negotiated directly between a candidate and Approved Witness.
Internal Quality Assurers are appointed by Assessment Centres to ensure that assessments are carried out fairly and thoroughly and that all Assessors are working to the same standard. All evidence submitted to the assessor is reviewed by an Internal Quality Assurer.
Many learners already registered on OneFile may not yet have gathered any evidence toward DSC2 whilst others may have 1 or 2 ICR’s (stalks) completed either assessed or awaiting submission for assessment. Existing learners may decide, to re-register for new DSC2 after the commencement on 01 April 2021
Re-registration
Any re-registration will involve a new learner credit and administration costs for Centre and therefore re-registration for the new DSC 2 is £160.00.
If re-registration is taken; the learner will automatically be given a new username and password.
Centres may accept learners previously registered with a different Assessment Centre but must ask if the applicant has current evidence within their existing ePortfolio. If the answer is yes, applicants must be advised that it will be their responsibility to transfer any current evidence to their new Assessor.
The Deer Stalking Certificate 2 is a vocational qualification, so there is no course to attend. What this means is that you collect evidence of your knowledge and ability in various deer management tasks. Hence the need for a witness to observe you.
There are a number of courses available from BASC, that could help you with the background knowledge necessary to support you getting the DSC2 award. Examples are: helping you with your shooting skills or perhaps carcass inspection and preparation.
You should only put yourself forward for assessment when you have reached the required level of knowledge and experience. This evidence must be 3 years or less to be considered as current evidence.
You must have your cull witnessed by an Approved Witness from the Approved Witness list or an Assessor from one of the Assessment Centres. Your Assessment Centre will be able to advise you further on this and a list of Approved Witnesses can be found in the candidate resources section of the e-portfolio.
Any re-registration will involve a new learner credit and administration costs for Centre and therefore re-registration for the new DSC 2 is £150.00. If re-registration is taken; the learner will automatically be given a new username and password. Centres may accept learners previously registered with a different Assessment Centre but must ask if the applicant has current evidence within their existing ePortfolio. If the answer is yes, applicants must be advised that it will be their responsibility to transfer any current evidence to their new Assessor.
If the witness feels you are not up to the required standards. They may stop the stalk under assessment and invite you to carry on but as a training stalk and offer you guidance and training to prepare you for your next attempt.
Anyone wishing to apply to become an Approved Witness for the Deer Stalking Certificate 2 (DSC2) should now apply directly to DMQ by using the forms found here https://www.dmq.org.uk/downloads/#tab-id-4
All assessors are likely to be full time deer managers. They look at your evidence and assess whether you have reached the standards laid down by the awarding body, DMQ. Your Assessors name and contact details will be detailed in your e-portfolio.
The longest period is likely to be you collecting the evidence but you should bear in mind that after submitting the candidate narrative, the Approved Witness will have to submit their questioning and then this will be checked by the assessor, internal verifier and in some cases an external verifier and awarding body. You have a maximum of three years from date of registration to complete your DSC2.
If you are registered with the BASC assessment centre, contact the Training and Education Department should you have any questions.
If you are registered with another assessment centre, you should contact them for further advice and support.
BASC Deer Assessment Centre DSC2 Registration Form
Please complete the DSC2 registration form and return with a copy of your DSC1 certificate to BASC Deer Assessment Centre, Marford Mill, Rossett, Wrexham LL12 0HL or scan and email to dacadmin@basc.org.uk
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