As it seems to be the done thing... Surrey/Sussex FAC timeline

[potshotpat]

The FEO was very clear that it's field experience that will get you a deer ticket. Target and DSC1 are just the basics. She explained that field experience is key, and that is experience over a decent timeframe, with a decent carcass count, and over varying conditions

I really hope if your entitled to be granted ( and I don't see any reason that you shouldn't be) your FAC for the calibre you've requested.Reading this post sums up what's wrong with the pointless jumping through hoops that shooters have to go through. It reads to me that your FEO will one day probably make a competent officer when she obtains enough experience, if she gets a decent timeframe. Good luck.

 

[martin_b]

Im waiting for a variation that went in 7th Nov.
From what I understand talking to an FEO from a neighbouring county, the move and consolidation to Lewes hasnt improved things, and made a pretty thankless task more difficult. Im sure the guys are doing the best they can, but I'd suspect they will be prioritizing renewals.

My FAC is back , Good news is that I've got my ammunition holding increased as I asked, and I now have a slot for a section one shotgun with slug. However I had also asked for a .22LR semi with moderator, the entry for the rifle just says Calibre= .22LR Type= Rifle and the action column is blank? The moderator has been missed off completely?
Is this because I already have a moderator on my ticket for another .22LR, bolt action?

 

[Jh1986]

Well... We are now 5 weeks since my FEO visit. Still no FAC.

I renewed my driving license online on Friday night. It's arrived in my letter box today

 

[Essexsussex]

It states on the website they won't respond to any queries or chasing regarding status of certificates / renewals

when I called them they engaged with me about my renewal - although my renewal was due within a week. It arrived two days later.

 

[Jh1986]

I

when I called them they engaged with me about my renewal - although my renewal was due within a week. It arrived two days later.

I did try and chase but got nowhere. I've bought a rifle privately and guy was very kindly sitting on it for me but it's been a month now so I've now paid in full so he's not regretting hanging on for me.

 

[long_range_rob]

It will just be new laws. I read somewhere that D&C now have nearly 90 people in firearms licensing which if correct is mind boggling.

Horses and stable door’s spring to mind.

 

[DVS1]

when I called them they engaged with me about my renewal - although my renewal was due within a week. It arrived two days later.

When did you call them bud...recently??

I did manage to speak to the FL department about a week - ten days prior to the Shooting Show in Feb, I called to confirm they were attending and whether I could collect my variation then. I was told mine was with the FEO and should be with me shortly, possibly before the show, if not then to go see them at the show. For reasons unknown none of the above happened but that's life I guess.

 

[Jh1986]

When did you call them bud...recently??

I did manage to speak to the FL department about a week - ten days prior to the Shooting Show in Feb, I called to confirm they were attending and whether I could collect my variation then. I was told mine was with the FEO and should be with me shortly, possibly before the show, if not then to go see them at the show. For reasons unknown none of the above happened but that's life I guess.

There's no number on the site, so I emailed the FEO directly on the 18th no response.

 

[Essexsussex]

When did you call them bud...recently??

I did manage to speak to the FL department about a week - ten days prior to the Shooting Show in Feb, I called to confirm they were attending and whether I could collect my variation then. I was told mine was with the FEO and should be with me shortly, possibly before the show, if not then to go see them at the show. For reasons unknown none of the above happened but that's life I guess.

End of March

 

[Essexsussex]

There's no number on the site, so I emailed the FEO directly on the 18th no response.

Just tried this number, it works and probably is the one I used. Between 10 and 2pm. Had to try a couple of times in March but they did answer

 

[GMan14]

Well... We are now 5 weeks since my FEO visit. Still no FAC.

I renewed my driving license online on Friday night. It's arrived in my letter box today

I’m 15 weeks since my home visit. FEO said he supports my application. Been sat with the manager to sign off for 14 weeks. Very frustrating

 

[Jh1986]

I’m 15 weeks since my home visit. FEO said he supports my application. Been sat with the manager to sign off for 14 weeks. Very frustrating

That's certainly not good. Same with me in that the FEO supported my application so it's just the sign off. There was a little hiccup over a referee being a cousin, but I provided a third referee as soon as I received the email asking for one (even though it only stipulated "immediate family" aren't allowed).

 

[Essexsussex]

Particularly with a renewal, but even with a grant I just can’t understand how it takes so long after the feo has done their paperwork and told you it’s definitely coming just being processed. They must have done all their checks by then and passed it as approved, you have filled out an online form where all the info can be transposed onto a cert so presumably it just need printing and logging on a system, and putting in an envelope for franking. As it comes on basically printer paper it’s a waste of public money if that part takes more than 10 minutes to do.
If it does only take 10 minutes there must be a mountain of them left to print.

That's certainly not good. Same with me in that the FEO supported my application so it's just the sign off. There was a little hiccup over a referee being a cousin, but I provided a third referee as soon as I received the email asking for one (even though it only stipulated "immediate family" aren't allowed).

 

[Jeff8861]

I’m surprised they discussed it! your referee is there as a character reference…not give subjective opinions on your specific application.

There is going to be a change in the way referees are contacted assessed and appraised. Referees are going to be scrutinised more they will have to indicate how long they have known the applicant how often they interact do they know of any issues with the applicant. I suspect that if it goes wrong and a referee has lied they will have questions to answer.

 

[25 Sharps]

I am a BASC member, which was very important to the FEO in terms of public liability insurance. I have already got my mentor sorted, with a guy I was on the DSC1 with (although years of experience in deer stalking).

Edit: I will say that actually, mentoring does make a lot of sense to me and I have no problems with it. For me, it's the fact that paid and invitational stalking doesn't constitute good reason. That's going to put stalking into a huge decline as land gets sewn up in the dead man's shoes cycle.

Paid stalks absolutely constitute good reason, read the guidance then point the FEO in the direction of the relevant section. If refused write to the Chief Constable and ask why their staff are not following the HO guidance for administering firearms law.

 

[25 Sharps]

The FEO was very clear that it's field experience that will get you a deer ticket. Target and DSC1 are just the basics. She explained that field experience is key, and that is experience over a decent timeframe, with a decent carcass count, and over varying conditions

Target teaches nothing but safe gun handling, dsc1 teaches theory.

But the only way to turn theory into practice is so go out and ‘do’ if your licence prevents you from doing so how do you gain the experience?

 

[25 Sharps]

I am a BASC member, which was very important to the FEO in terms of public liability insurance. I have already got my mentor sorted, with a guy I was on the DSC1 with (although years of experience in deer stalking).

Edit: I will say that actually, mentoring does make a lot of sense to me and I have no problems with it. For me, it's the fact that paid and invitational stalking doesn't constitute good reason. That's going to put stalking into a huge decline as land gets sewn up in the dead man's shoes cycle.

Where does the firearms act say you must have insurance for field shooting!?

They really do make it up as they go along.

 

[25 Sharps]

I am following this thread because although I have a .308 on my FAC for target shooting I want to get it changed for hunting, my plan was to accumulate enough paid stalks to justify the change but seems pointless now that I saw this comment.

Read the current firearms guidance…

 

[gixer1]

I was wondering what a “deer ticket” is - they really do sometimes come away with nonsense…

You need to show good reason, paid stalking as said is just that.

As mentioned state the HO guidance otherwise your FEO may have you jumping through hoops and state DSC2 is required next (which is nonsense)

By having DSC1 you have more than 90% of applicants have!

Regards,
Gixer