Advice

Sammyadds

Well-Known Member
I hope this is the right section. I’m looking to get into stalking. Currently have a Fac with rimfire’s and permission that has a few fox and deer.

My question is do I put in for a .243 variation and buy a rifle first or complete a DSC1 first? I will be doing both at some point but sadly doing both at the same time isn’t possible right now.

I’m sure this is personal preference, but want to know peoples thoughts.

Thanks in advance.
 
If you have permission with deer you could just go straight for applying, likewise if you have done some paid stalks and have more booked, dsc1 isn't required but some forces like to see it, best bet would be to reach out to your feo and ask what they require
 
try contacting one of the members of the forum from your area.and ask for their advice.have you shot a deer at all ? do you know the reaction to the shot,how far a cf rifle bullet will travel after the shot is it a safe ethical shot etc,can you larder a deer in a hygienic and safe manner etc etc etc. the dsc1 is ok for a piece of paper. try and get some practical advice . good luck to you .
 
Your authority will most likely want you to provide proof of experience with a calibre equal to or greater than what you’re applying for before granting the variation. Contact your FEO wouldn’t be a bad idea, at least it’ll save playing tennis with the paperwork if you know what they want.
 
Thank you all for the advice, exactly what I was looking.

I will get in touch with with my FEO today and reach out to a few Northamptonshire members to see if I can be a “gate opener” for any trips out stalking in open season.

The permission I have is only allowed up to .243 and I’m on a closed ticket currently. so that’s all I have been looking at.
 
Thank you all for the advice, exactly what I was looking.

I will get in touch with with my FEO today and reach out to a few Northamptonshire members to see if I can be a “gate opener” for any trips out stalking in open season.

The permission I have is only allowed up to .243 and I’m on a closed ticket currently. so that’s all I have been looking at.
If the lands cleared for 243 get it opened up, there is no difference between 243/270/308 etc they all go bang
 
I hope this is the right section. I’m looking to get into stalking. Currently have a Fac with rimfire’s and permission that has a few fox and deer.

My question is do I put in for a .243 variation and buy a rifle first or complete a DSC1 first? I will be doing both at some point but sadly doing both at the same time isn’t possible right now.

I’m sure this is personal preference, but want to know peoples thoughts.

Thanks in advance.
You are unlikely to be granted a .243W with a 'deer condition' if you haven't completed the DSC1 first, That is not the Law, but it is what most Police Forces require, as they can make up their own rules to a degree.
However, if you have a reasonable FEO he/she may be willing to support your request for a .243W variation if you provide evidence that you have booked a DSC1 course.
With a bit of luck, and assuming the process takes as long as it often does, you will qualify for the DSC1 and your new FAC with .243W will land in your letterbox in the same year.
 
Just spoke to FEO . He said I would need a letter from the landowner confirming I can shoot deer and the species. - no problem their.

He also said it would help to also have either dsc1, receipts of paid stalking or a letter of a deer calibre owner confirming they have ‘shown me the ropes’ - this is what I shall do next!

Thanks again for all the advice
 
Back to the OPs question.

Find someone who can show you the ropes - stalking & carcass handling is not something you can crack just by doing your DSC1, there is so much more to it than recognising species in a few photos or knowing the seasons for deer you're never likely to see on your ground etc. As for reaction to shot, I've never met a deer yet that had read that part of the syllabus!
 
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