Licensing query

[VSS]

Yes with open condition

So you can shoot muntjac and cwd with the 223 anyway. Can't remember off the top of my head whether it's also allowed for roe?

 

[Oracle]

So you could, quite lawfully, already shoot muntjac/CWD on any of your permissions where those quarry species are present and with the land owners permission……Quite a ridiculous thought process and decision by your licensing authority.

 

[tarponhead]

Yeah I am a member of the NGO for insurance purposes, I have looked into doing their DSC course but the local ones have all been fully booked!
That membership is about to expire and I have been considering swapping to BASC. Is the extra cost worth it?

That would be fantastic thank you, Pm'd!

I am in the Gloucestershire Police area and they are firm but fair. Lots of good advice on here, so I would add that time spent at Corinium Rifle Range near Cirencester, with Paul Hill would help you get trigger time and good habits early in your rifle shooting career. You can find the Range on google and him on here, from time to time. I would recommend the DSC1 for the underpinning knowledge that will stay with you and for the confidence it gives To the FEO, that you’re taking it seriously, Good luck and enjoy!

 

[DVS1]

So you can shoot muntjac and cwd with the 223 anyway. Can't remember off the top of my head whether it's also allowed for roe?

Yep and have taken a munty but that was the only munty I've seen there in all 10 years of having the permission. Roe is minimum .240 cal in the south

 

[DVS1]

So you could, quite lawfully, already shoot muntjac/CWD on any of your permissions where those quarry species are present and with the land owners permission……Quite a ridiculous thought process and decision by your licensing authority.

Correct mate, unfortunately those 2 species aren't prevalent in my permissions, mainly roe and fallow

 

[Wilkesy]

I've read this thread with interest as I recently applied for 243 for deer. A new permission has deer that he wants controlled alongside foxes for his sheep concerns. Having had a 223 for at least 8 years or so I thought it would be a relatively straight forward exercise for the other cf calibre. Having been stalking with some friends I also have some experience, limited yes but experience.

Long story (14 months) short was told that a DSC1 is 'expected' prior to the variation grant for the deer calibre. This was queried and challenged as there is no legislation that states you must have DSC1.

BASC contacted and also challenged...end result is a DSC1 is 'expected' by 99% of forces therefore variation not approved until the 'insisted' DSC1 is completed.

Make of that what you will.

Sitting a 3 day course isn't a great option with my work so I'll be doing the online DSC1 with Jelen Deer.

That is really interesting about the DSC and something that I had heard a lot before applying hence why I asked the police if I needed it or not. So I was surprised to hear that they did not expect or require it (at least that’s for Gloucestershire constabulary anyway).

I plan on doing the DSC regardless as I think the knowledge would be invaluable!

I must say I expected (perhaps naively) that someone who’d held a licence for as long as you, would have had an easier time of getting a bigger caliber!

 

[DVS1]

That is really interesting about the DSC and something that I had heard a lot before applying hence why I asked the police if I needed it or not. So I was surprised to hear that they did not expect or require it (at least that’s for Gloucestershire constabulary anyway).

I plan on doing the DSC regardless as I think the knowledge would be invaluable!

I must say I expected (perhaps naively) that someone who’d held a licence for as long as you, would have had an easier time of getting a bigger caliber!

Well technically there is ZERO legislation that states you must have a DSC1 prior to applying and getting a deer calibre rifle. This as stated before in previous replies is down to each area making up their own stipulations hence BASC and their opinion of my circumstances should have supported the variation perfectly adequately.

I had and do plan to complete the DSC1 for the indepth information and technical data. In order to allow me better efficiency in taking deer. So I totally agree with you.

I struggle to understand why the big organisations haven't clubbed together and lobbied to prevent rules being made up as going along and to adhere to legislation...like we do.

Without upsetting people I'm breezing over certain info in certain aspects but like you I'd have thought it was a simple stamp and grant.

As said before according to BASC 99% of areas insist on a DSC1

 

[Wilkesy]

Well technically there is ZERO legislation that states you must have a DSC1 prior to applying and getting a deer calibre rifle. This as stated before in previous replies is down to each area making up their own stipulations hence BASC and their opinion of my circumstances should have supported the variation perfectly adequately.

I had and do plan to complete the DSC1 for the indepth information and technical data. In order to allow me better efficiency in taking deer. So I totally agree with you.

I struggle to understand why the big organisations haven't clubbed together and lobbied to prevent rules being made up as going along and to adhere to legislation...like we do.

Without upsetting people I'm breezing over certain info in certain aspects but like you I'd have thought it was a simple stamp and grant.

As said before according to BASC 99% of areas insist on a DSC1

Chance would be a fine thing Ayy! For now it looks like we’ve just got to push through the grey and do as they ask, I know for one thing that when I can finally get out stalking with a rifle of my own that all this licensing business won’t even cross my mind! Bring it on!

Thanks for the info from BASC I know they’re very pro DSC and so it would seem are most police forces! Not a bad thing IMO.

I wish you all the best mate, hopefully you can get a .243 on your ticket soon!!

 

[DVS1]

Totally agree that a DSC1 is beneficial but it shouldn't be mandatory...as it isn't...but yes hoops to be jumped through

Good luck with your quest buddy!!

 

[adamsinfield]

Pretty sure everyone has covered this, but I live in Glos and this was my experience…

Was a full member of a HO approved club for a couple of years before applying for quarry conditions. Granted immediately on closed conditions for my .22’s and .223 for foxes. Both .22 and .223 opened after about a year.

Told must have DSC1 for anything larger when I started stalking. Did the DSC1 and then told must have 5 witnessed kills before granting. Did this and eventually granted my .308 and 6.5 on closed. After 6 months requested opening of conditions (and about 50 culls) rejected. Eventually opened after about 18 months.

My advice, as others have said, speak to them and build up (their view of) demonstrable competence!

 

[DVS1]

Told must have DSC1 for anything larger when I started stalking. Did the DSC1 and then told must have 5 witnessed kills before granting.

This is the sort of BS of moving the goal posts! Boils my p**s! Where in the legislation does it state you must have 5 witnessed kills! I mean c'mon FFS! What's next...must be witnessed by Ironside whilst your wearing a pink tutu to prove stalking skills!? Ridiculous!

Well done for perseverance with these hurdles and getting.what your strived for mate

 

[adamsinfield]

Cheers, and yep - was especially annoying as initially told me 3, and then when had 3 (about a week) told me 5 and witnessed by different people…

Anyway, got there in the end!

 

[Roebuck9]

DSC1 is a good start, you do not have to take a 3 day course you can take the exam in one day to save time and money.

First though there are some websites that do the DSC1 questions and answers and you will also need them for the identification of the different spieces deer. It may take a while to identify the six UK spiecies with any skill.

There are probably now well over 4,000 questions that you could be asked during your DSC1 exam so take your time and only enter for it when you are ready. You will know from your answers on the websites. Do you know anybody who has taken it that you can chat to or ask you questions.

The DSC1 workshop manual is available from the outfitter that you may take your test from buying a copy before-hand is a wise move as you can always use it as a reference manual when you have passed it. There is a lot in it.

Best of luck and keep asking questions if there is something you wish to know.

 

[Wilkesy]

DSC1 is a good start, you do not have to take a 3 day course you can take the exam in one day to save time and money.

First though there are some websites that do the DSC1 questions and answers and you will also need them for the identification of the different spieces deer. It may take a while to identify the six UK spiecies with any skill.

There are probably now well over 4,000 questions that you could be asked during your DSC1 exam so take your time and only enter for it when you are ready. You will know from your answers on the websites. Do you know anybody who has taken it that you can chat to or ask you questions.

The DSC1 workshop manual is available from the outfitter that you may take your test from buying a copy before-hand is a wise move as you can always use it as a reference manual when you have passed it. There is a lot in it.

Best of luck and keep asking questions if there is something you wish to know.

I didn't know websites like that even existed so I shall have a look because that would be really useful!

I have seen that BDS do a training manual for the DSC which I shall be getting to study from!

Thank you! I really appreciate the advise from everyone!