Getting started from scratch

[ackers1]

Hi all,

I'm new to the site and to stalking. I'm located in Fife at the moment but moving soon to Dundee.

I want to get into recreational stalking fully. I've been out for 3 guided stalks so far and absolutely loved it. I've got a few more booked in too. I've paid quite different prices for similar stalking.

Trying to take in everything from all the discussions and vast amount of information on here is confusing at times.

I wanted to ask experienced people on here about planning the pathway forward.

I want to get DSC1/PDS1 and FAC, and eventually some stalking permissions / join a syndicate. Do i join BASC or BDS or both? What order to do things in?

Grateful in advance for advice and guidance.

 

[Chris Richardson]

Bds or country covers for insurance , get out stalking spend time in the field it will always beat courses

 

[finnbear270]

And a play on your Moniker here, ACKERS, you will need to husband your financial resources if you are intent on hitting everything straight away on your wish list there.
Your booked stalking is obviously step one as being without FAC just now, ... a syndicate may be the most difficult achievement on your list.
Try to latch onto a stalker who could be looking for help of any sorts.?

 

[Dickie]

With evidence of of past stalks and future bookings there's no reason you can't apply for your FAC it shows good reason, you could book a DSC 1 course as more evidence for your application.

 

[robgal]

I’m in a similar position to you with the stalking, so I’ll be reading replies with interest Although luckily I’ve held FAC for a good few years, just never moved up to centrefire rifles.

Even with that stalking seems like entering into a whole new world of info. Other than going for more guided stalks the first thing I’ll be doing is DSC1; It’s police policy in NI that you need it to get a deer calibre rifle. I have one permission already lined up with some Red deer on it so itching to get going but the next DSC1 course isn’t till end of February over here

In the meantime I want to decide on rifle incl. which calibre, scope etc so lots to be at and lots of money to gather up to pay for it all!

 

[Chris Richardson]

I’m in a similar position to you with the stalking, so I’ll be reading replies with interest Although luckily I’ve held FAC for a good few years, just never moved up to centrefire rifles.

Even with that stalking seems like entering into a whole new world of info. Other than going for more guided stalks the first thing I’ll be doing is DSC1; It’s police policy in NI that you need it to get a deer calibre rifle. I have one permission already lined up with some Red deer on it so itching to get going but the next DSC1 course isn’t till end of February over here

In the meantime I want to decide on rifle incl. which calibre, scope etc so lots to be at and lots of money to gather up to pay for it all!

Ask them to show you where dsc is in home office guidelines it isn’t there

 

[wytonpjs]

Ask them to show you where dsc is in home office guidelines it isn’t there

And here we go again..............

You are entirely correct, but in the spirit of the OP's genuine request for guidance and the practicalities of today's firearms licensing, getting DSC1/PDS1 is a positive demonstration of intent that would support a FAC application and is entirely coherent with NatureScot's direction of travel. Besides, DSC1 does IMHO provide an essential bedrock of sound deer stalking knowledge upon which to build with practical experience.

 

[Mike1979]

And here we go again..............

You are entirely correct, but in the spirit of the OP's genuine request for guidance and the practicalities of today's firearms licensing, getting DSC1/PDS1 is a positive demonstration of intent that supports would a FAC application and is entirely coherent with NatureScot's direction of travel. Besides, DSC1 does IMHO provide an essential bedrock of sound deer stalking knowledge upon which to build with practical experience.

Agreed and ultimately its a good "intro" and does no harm whether or not its technically required. I was asked to do mine by my FEO to get a deer legal CF back in 2013 so I did it and enjoyed it. Overstretching it or not on the part of the FEO it was a small price to pay to get my (and I hate to say it) .270

 

[robgal]

Ask them to show you where dsc is in home office guidelines it isn’t there

Yep I’m 100% aware of that. I’ve enquired with multiple RFDs and BASC reps over here and been told there’s no way round it regardless.

Again this is in Northern Ireland so things are, or at least were quite different for many decades regarding firearms licensing.

 

[Chris Richardson]

And here we go again..............

You are entirely correct, but in the spirit of the OP's genuine request for guidance and the practicalities of today's firearms licensing, getting DSC1/PDS1 is a positive demonstration of intent that would support a FAC application and is entirely coherent with NatureScot's direction of travel. Besides, DSC1 does IMHO provide an essential bedrock of sound deer stalking knowledge upon which to build with practical experience.

I am entirely correct you’re right , it’s either in the guidelines or it isn’t to me very black and white …. Letting firearms licensing make up rules as they go along does us zero favours, if someone “ wants “ to do a course great crack on but they shouldn’t be forced to to satisfy some feos made up rules

 

[Chris Richardson]

Yep I’m 100% aware of that. I’ve enquired with multiple RFDs and BASC reps over here and been told there’s no way round it regardless.

Again this is in Northern Ireland so things are, or at least were quite different for many decades regarding firearms licensing.

Not like basc to promote a course they’ll profit from how odd

 

[Happy stalker]

My advice to you and any other newcomer to deer stalking, definitely do the DSC 1 it will give you a very good idea and knowledge to build upon, do your research on equipment and rifles for the deer species that you intend to stalk you will receive a multitude of personal ideas from folk but ultimately the decision is yours, enjoy your journey into the world of deer stalking, remember every day is a school day, enjoy

 

[robgal]

Not like basc to promote a course they’ll profit from how odd

Yep that is another element that bothers me about the whole thing, but what’s the alternative when I want a Deer rifle and they won’t license me for one without it? The cost is not small, £300, but in the grand scheme of gear prices for stalking it’s relatively insignificant

 

[mudlark]

I may be wrong here, but don't most syndicates/leases require at least DSC1? I've held a lease on a piece of private forestry in Fife for some 20yrs and since day one DSC1, has been a requirement.

 

[Chris Richardson]

I may be wrong here, but don't most syndicates/leases require at least DSC1? I've held a lease on a piece of private forestry in Fife for some 20yrs and since day one DSC1, has been a requirement.

Private land doesn’t and I’ve been asked for it once in over 20 years and had a few leases on estates in that time

 

[Chris Richardson]

Yep that is another element that bothers me about the whole thing, but what’s the alternative when I want a Deer rifle and they won’t license me for one without it? The cost is not small, £300, but in the grand scheme of gear prices for stalking it’s relatively insignificant

Challenge it , I would , I did in fact some years ago and they backed down , but I did do the course a few years later , the point being it was MY choice not forced upon me

 

[dryan]

DSC1 is excellent, HCAP on the other hand….

 

[Camdig]

Join Scottish Gamekeepers Association, they provide insurance and run DSC courses, they are very helpful.
Dundee area holds plenty Roe and not far to find Reds.

 

[Cris]

PDS is mostly on line remote learning is it not? Can be taken at any time, but I think there is still a face to face safety and shooting test to do.

 

[Norfolk Deer Search]

Hi all,

I'm new to the site and to stalking. I'm located in Fife at the moment but moving soon to Dundee.

I want to get into recreational stalking fully. I've been out for 3 guided stalks so far and absolutely loved it. I've got a few more booked in too. I've paid quite different prices for similar stalking.

Trying to take in everything from all the discussions and vast amount of information on here is confusing at times.

I wanted to ask experienced people on here about planning the pathway forward.

I want to get DSC1/PDS1 and FAC, and eventually some stalking permissions / join a syndicate. Do i join BASC or BDS or both? What order to do things in?

Grateful in advance for advice and guidance.

To be honest the best bit of advice that I can give you, is don’t get sucked into all the This is best, that is best. I recommend this, I recommend that, bollocks!

You can spend £300 on an 8 x 56 Schmidt and bender, you can buy a rifle for £300 and you will shoot Deer for years and years and years!

Good optics and reasonably priced rifle will serve you well