I'm not quite sure about your 4th choice? Compulsory testing AFTER you have achieved level 2???
I don't think they could enforce level 2 overnight as it would mean there would be very few people left shooting deer legally!
It has already been compared to the driving licence, which itself was phased in so that existing drivers had 'grandfathers rights', and they would have to do similar with DSC. However, DSC 1 isn't even compulsory yet, so there is a way to go yet eh?
As an AW, I obviously support the DSC system, but feel it would be wrong to impose it on ALL stalkers both old and new overnight.
However, if you
open your eyes and look closely, it is already happening!
Because of todays culture of litigation, many agencies are viewing it as a necessary 'umbrella' to put up to cover their asses just in case anything goes wrong.
FC demand that the lease holder has it, and you can rest assured that many others will follow their lead on this one as they tend to plagerise contracts and agreements from the bigger players.
DDM (Services Branch BDS) have made the decision that ALL their managers will have DSC 2 (both old AND new)!
I've just taken on some wildlife trust woodlands where you now have to have DSC 2 to manage them.
You can winge about it and create polls till the cows come home, but I'll wager you will have little effect as it is already upon us in many ways.
There are also those in power that will view it as another effective means of minimising firearm ownership for sure!
Just to play 'Devils Advocate' for a minute - would it be such a bad thing?
1. The general public are more likely to accept what we do if it has proper legislation.
2. The general public are more likely to accept firearm ownership for similar reasons.
3. The general public are more likely to accept venison as a regular food source if they can be assured it was brought to the table by the most humane and hygienic means.
4. This would in turn increase demand against the supply and venison prices would increase.
Food for thought?
The best way to secure your own future as a stalker is to accept that it is happening and get on with it soonest!
MS
(I haven't voted either, as I can't really get my head around the choices to agree with any of them!)