Sikamalc,
In fairness the BDS/BASC/DMQ did not introduce the "Trained Hunter" requirement, this is more Government red tape foisted on us by our friends in Europe.
What the BDS/BASC/DMQ did do is find various ways of satisfying the new requirement by one of three different methods.
a) Stand alone Trained Hunter meat hygiene course. This is a one day course covering both the large and small game requirements. Cost about £130 IIRC
b) They modified the DMQ Level 1 certificate course contents so it meets the LANTRA requirements and is industry recognized to do so...No additional cost to the Level 1
c) They negotiated with LANTRA, and other Government bodies, a way for people to upgrade their old Level 1 to the new standard. Cost £15.
As Government regulations pretty much insist on people holding the status of Trained Hunter if they wish to sell game to a Game Handling Establishment, I think BASC and BDS have done a pretty good job of responding to this requirement so we can meet these regulations with the minimum of pain.
Whether the £130 and £15 is perceived to be value for money for those particular options is a different matter. Personally I think £130 for a days course is expensive, and I am not sure if that includes the Lantra registration fee either???
Having said that, somebody I work with is paying £180 to go on a days cookery course at some minor TV celebrity chef's cookery school, which I think is expensive but he thinks is good value, so maybe i am just a cheap skate!
Regards,
Pete