DSC level 2 registration through BASC

[MJ75]

How many people have registered through BASC for their Level 2? If so, were you asked the question "how many deer have you culled"? By one of the admin ladies?

Is it any of their business? Is it relevant? And if so, how relevant?

*They apparently leave you alone if you tell them a high number. So I'm told anyway.

P.S Just so we're ompletely clear, I've posed the question to those people who have actualy registered with the BASC scheme. No need for feedback on anything else. Please remember that as no one wants another thread to descend into chaos.

 

[smullery]

MJ75,

I think it's to advise you that you might want to take a little longer before registering as more than half who register never submit a portfolio as they run out of time.

A case of save your money until you are ready to go for it.

Stan

 

[Apache]

I sent in the paperwork with a cheque. No further questions were forthcoming.

 

[moses]

I registered through BASC.

No hassle, none of the questions you mention and everything arrived as it should.

I think it was Mary I dealt with but, it was a few years ago now.

ATB
Moses

 

[Peterm]

Smullery has summed it up really. They ask ALL potential candidates what their experience is if they phone in for advice

Peter

 

[stone]

How many people have registered through BASC for their Level 2? If so, were you asked the question "how many deer have you culled"? By one of the admin ladies?

Is it any of their business? Is it relevant? And if so, how relevant?

*They apparently leave you alone if you tell them a high number. So I'm told anyway.

P.S Just so we're ompletely clear, .

Yep
just so were are completely clear
can we actually post on what we know as fact than hear say
as "so I am told anyway" is not fact but just rumour
is it not??
Regardless of what others say , surely it is on what you actually know is what counts
c'mon atleast play the game instead of playing at it

 

[caorach]

Again this is becoming a a pet rant of mine but...

If you have questions about the service provided by BASC ( or any one else) then why not write to them and ask them the question rather than the people on an internet forum?

Dear Sir,

I've just registered for DSC2 with you and was asked how many deer I had culled. I thought this a little unusual and thought to ask if this is standard practice and also what the purpose of this question is?

Then you will get an answer rather than speculation and you can base your opinions and view of the question on the facts rather than idle chatter on the internet.

 

[Shabz]

I don't think BASC will really give a toss how many deer you've culled. Apart from the saving you time and money reason above.

Three years is a long time though, I'm surprised that there are a lot of people that don't do it in that time. How hard can it be?? You'd have thought a complete novice would be able to learn what's what in a few stalks. Maybe there's a high percentage of impractical townies that register?

 

[EMcC]

There are quite a few that attend the DSC 1 course and then think they should register for DMQ2 immediately with no other experience other than the DMQ1 course.
So if the person asks "how many deer have you culled" the answer could quite easily be "none yet" so in that case the person asking the question may go into it a bit further and could save you money and time.
In my opinion it is quite a relevent question but need not be answered if you feel so inclined.
As an AW, whenever I am approached with a view to witnessing, that is the first thing I ask as it gives me an idea of whether I am going to be wasting my and the stalkers time.
How many deer culled by the stalker gives me a better idea of the stalkers experience as opposed to the length of time they have been stalking.

 

[MJ75]

Yep
just so were are completely clear
can we actually post on what we know as fact than hear say
as "so I am told anyway" is not fact but just rumour
is it not??
Regardless of what others say , surely it is on what you actually know is what counts
c'mon atleast play the game instead of playing at it

I've since called myself. Same question. First question in fact. Though not a surprise as I trust the people who advised that they'll ask this. Done because I want to do my level 2. So no, not really a rumour at all. Stone, are you trying to deliberately argumentative (very boring) or do you have anything of any use to add to the thread? If so, please do. I was really hoping for some sensible discussion on the amount of deer people see as sensible before registering for it. And why BASC find it neccesary to ask as they are only a registration center are they not?

 

[Moonraker68]

Presumably they ask to ascertain how much experience you have. If you say 'none,' they may suggest that you book a few stalks to learn the rudimentary skills. I see it as BASC offering constructive guidance, and it's refreshing that they don't just take your money for the sake of it.
I did my DCS1 through BASC, and one (sucessful) candidate on the same course had never been stalking, let alone shot a deer; he would be a prime example of someone who would benefit from getting a few stalks under his belt before signing up for level 2. I don't see how anyone can disagree with that.

 

[MJ75]

Presumably they ask to ascertain how much experience you have. If you say 'none,' they may suggest that you book a few stalks to learn the rudimentary skills. I see it as BASC offering constructive guidance, and it's refreshing that they don't just take your money for the sake of it.
I did my DCS1 through BASC, and one (sucessful) candidate on the same course had never been stalking, let alone shot a deer; he would be a prime example of someone who would benefit from getting a few stalks under his belt before signing up for level 2. I don't see how anyone can disagree with that.

But how many deer do people think need to be culled before being allowed to undertake level 2?

I also think three years is pretty generous to complete your portfolio. One a year isn't too big a challenge is it?

 

[jcampbellsmith]

But how many deer do people think need to be culled before being allowed to undertake level 2? ...

I think you are missing the point. The number of deer culled is unimportant. On one hand, my Dad waited nearly 60 years before completing his DSC II. On the other hand, there will be some people who have culled very few deer (a handful perhaps) and satisfactorily meet all the Performance Criteria. If you have issues with the DSC II, it would make sense to take them up with DMQ who are always keen to receive feedback on how the DSC II can be improved.

Regards JCS

 

[MJ75]

I think you are missing the point. The number of deer culled is unimportant. On one hand, my Dad waited nearly 60 years before completing his DSC II. On the other hand, there will be some people who have culled very few deer (a handful perhaps) and satisfactorily meet all the Performance Criteria. If you have issues with the DSC II, it would make sense to take them up with DMQ who are always keen to receive feedback on how the DSC II can be improved.

Regards JCS

I don't think I am. Some people will never agree with level 2 and thus never complete it for their own personal reasons. This is well documented on this very forum. The question is, what do people think is a reasonable nunber of deer culled before being 'allowed' to register? It's no issue for me, I'm just keen to see other peoples thoughts and opinions on the subject.

 

[csl]

There are quite a few that attend the DSC 1 course and then think they should register for DMQ2 immediately with no other experience other than the DMQ1 course.
So if the person asks "how many deer have you culled" the answer could quite easily be "none yet" so in that case the person asking the question may go into it a bit further and could save you money and time.
In my opinion it is quite a relevent question but need not be answered if you feel so inclined.
As an AW, whenever I am approached with a view to witnessing, that is the first thing I ask as it gives me an idea of whether I am going to be wasting my and the stalkers time.
How many deer culled by the stalker gives me a better idea of the stalkers experience as opposed to the length of time they have been stalking.

What Eddy said.

I was one of those who did DSC1 and in a wave of over enthusiasm registered for DSC2 almost straight away. I don't recall BASC asking my experience at the time, but pretty much everyone advised me to get more experience before attempting to put the portfolio together which is what I did, waiting until the 3rd year of the registration before completing the portfolio.

BASC aren't 'allowing/disallowing' based on a number, they are presumably tailoring their advice to suit the experience - quite possibly due to feedback from AW's/Assessors saying they are getting candidates who are not ready?

 

[sikamalc]

No one should attempt to undertake Level 2 unless they can forfill the criteria of the following.

Spot, identify, stalk the deer.
Shoot safely (backstop) dispatch, approach and ensure the deer is dead.
Check the carcase, bleed, gralloch and check messenteric lymph chain.
Extract the carcase safely and hygienically.
Larder the beast, extract the pluck check further lymph nodes.
Put the beast in the chiller, filling in appropraite paperwork larder records and tag.
Answer the questions put to them by the AW.

I have had people contact me and ask me to undertake a Level 2 stalk, but first of all stalk with me first and watch me if we are succesful, and then the next outing do a Level 2 stalk

So my advice is to make sure you know what you are doing and are confident enough. That means having experience of taking at least double figure deer numbers. Some folk tend to collect bits of paper thinking it makes them a stalker, it dosnt. So if you think you are ready for Level 2, give it some serious thought, otherwise you will be wasting time and money.

 

[Moonraker68]

But how many deer do people think need to be culled before being allowed to undertake level 2?
I also think three years is pretty generous to complete your portfolio. One a year isn't too big a challenge is it?

I'd agree with Malc, candidates should ideally be into double figures as they have then spent many hours in the field developing their fieldcraft, learning about deer etc I've shot well into double figures (but not into hundreds), and still believe I need more experience before registerig for Level 2.

I guess it depends upon other commitments, whether you have your own ground, and your financial situation.

 

[stone]

I've since called myself. Same question. First question in fact. Though not a surprise as I trust the people who advised that they'll ask this. Done because I want to do my level 2. So no, not really a rumour at all. Stone, are you trying to deliberately argumentative (very boring) or do you have anything of any use to add to the thread? If so, please do. I was really hoping for some sensible discussion on the amount of deer people see as sensible before registering for it. And why BASC find it neccesary to ask as they are only a registration center are they not?

The point being
if you are interested in registering for L2
Why did you not give them a call to find out
personaly I don't think they ask enough questions about people's experiences but then once registered you hav plenty of time to actively gain relevant experience from speaking to AW's or even an outing with an AW to grasp a feeling of what is expected
as an AW I get a few calls from newly registered L2 candidates asking questions that really they should know the answers to already
but in your case you probably may be better putting up a new thread looking for advice on what to expect as you are looking to register for L2 but not sure if you are ready or not , instead of wondering if BASC assessment centre should be asking questions or not prior to your registry
if you are still concerned why not drop me a pm with some contact details and I will be happy to ring you to discuss with you what I would expect from a candidate prior to going on a witnessed stalk which may help you decide if you are ready yet or need to gain a bit more experience before hand
regards

 

[Moonraker68]

The point being
if you are interested in registering for L2
Why did you not give them a call to find out
personaly I don't think they ask enough questions about people's experiences but then once registered you hav plenty of time to actively gain relevant experience from speaking to AW's or even an outing with an AW to grasp a feeling of what is expected
as an AW I get a few calls from newly registered L2 candidates asking questions that really they should know the answers to already
but in your case you probably may be better putting up a new thread looking for advice on what to expect as you are looking to register for L2 but not sure if you are ready or not , instead of wondering if BASC assessment centre should be asking questions or not prior to your registry
if you are still concerned why not drop me a pm with some contact details and I will be happy to ring you to discuss with you what I would expect from a candidate prior to going on a witnessed stalk which may help you decide if you are ready yet or need to gain a bit more experience before hand
regards

Stone, that is a very generous offer of help - posts like this make SD what it is!

 

[whistler]

Gaining level Two

The point being
if you are interested in registering for L2
Why did you not give them a call to find out
personaly I don't think they ask enough questions about people's experiences but then once registered you hav plenty of time to actively gain relevant experience from speaking to AW's or even an outing with an AW to grasp a feeling of what is expected
as an AW I get a few calls from newly registered L2 candidates asking questions that really they should know the answers to already
but in your case you probably may be better putting up a new thread looking for advice on what to expect as you are looking to register for L2 but not sure if you are ready or not , instead of wondering if BASC assessment centre should be asking questions or not prior to your registry
if you are still concerned why not drop me a pm with some contact details and I will be happy to ring you to discuss with you what I would expect from a candidate prior to going on a witnessed stalk which may help you decide if you are ready yet or need to gain a bit more experience before hand
regards

After gaining my level one I spoke to a member of Basc and asked the best way forward for my stalking he suggested I needed to gain more experience he also suggested I may like to attend the gralloch and carcase handling course, which I did and found it very helpful for a novice stalker. i applied for my level two and managed to join a syndicate but i left my portfolio for a further 12 months to gain more experence in stalking after which I found it easyer to complete even though i have my level two i still feel I am a complete novice in stalking as only time can give sufficient experience in any thing, as for Basc I found them very helpful with any questions I put to them.