BASC Mentoring Scheme

[TheDeerWalker]

Hello,
Was wondering if people have had any experience with the "Stand by me - Deer Mentoring Scheme" as either a Mentor or Mentee?

Link to the article I found -> Stand by me

I was being mentored for my DSC2 by a close family friend until middle of the last season when they had to re-locate, and so lost the permission and mentor before getting comfortable enough for doing the assessed stalks. After not finding a new mentor I came across the BASC scheme and looked the exactly like what I needed, I signed up in August and not heard back yet, but before going about chasing up to see about information I wanted to hear from people who have been on either side of it.

What was your experience of it? How did it work in respect to matching people with Mentors?

Or in general is there any more of these kind of schemes about? I did try to get to my local BDS events but it's not really been possible with my current shift pattern.

Thanks,
DW

 

[Rake Aboot]

Mentoring ? Is that an actual thing ?

Is there an aim to the scheme ?

 

[TheDeerWalker]

Mentoring ? Is that an actual thing ?

Is there an aim to the scheme ?

Many people have informal mentors, like friends or family members, to help guide them when starting out. This program is meant for those who don’t have that kind of support but still want to build their skills. I know there is the avenue of paid stalks but I'm not in the position to afford that right now - I'm sure is the same for many.

My aim and reason I was trying to join the scheme is to gain the skills to be comfortable going out on my own, to learn the techniques people with years of experience have delevoped before seeking to joining syndicates or find land for myself and build on these skills. As said in the BASC's site this is about helping people acheive their DSC2, I'm not saying that is the only aim if I wasn't able/didn't need the DSC2 to take on a permission then I'd still like to learn the skills as I'm new to the sport.

 

[cjm1066]

In principle it great but BASC are only providing an introduction. Some will work brilliantly other not.

 

[Tim.243]

Hello,
Was wondering if people have had any experience with the "Stand by me - Deer Mentoring Scheme" as either a Mentor or Mentee?

Link to the article I found -> Stand by me

I was being mentored for my DSC2 by a close family friend until middle of the last season when they had to re-locate, and so lost the permission and mentor before getting comfortable enough for doing the assessed stalks. After not finding a new mentor I came across the BASC scheme and looked the exactly like what I needed, I signed up in August and not heard back yet, but before going about chasing up to see about information I wanted to hear from people who have been on either side of it.

What was your experience of it? How did it work in respect to matching people with Mentors?

Or in general is there any more of these kind of schemes about? I did try to get to my local BDS events but it's not really been possible with my current shift pattern.

Thanks,
DW

Mine was Dad who was shown by his Dad...
Dad started at 8 (I still have that .410 )
I started with that .410 in 1973. Like school start learning early.

 

[Ant ler]

I filled out all the details for the scheme as requested by BASC. So far (months on) I have heard zero from them. Not even an acknowledgement.

 

[Rookandrabbit]

I have also applied under the Stand by me BASC mentoring scheme. I am in the process of being contacted by a member who is kindly willing to mentor me.
I have also attended at the Trough of Bowland stalking scheme again provided through the BASC.

I will see what transpires.

 

[Twodogs]

Put my name down for mentoring months ago and zilch. Spoke to a lady at BASC and she expanded the geographical areas and zilch.

Begs a number of questions.

 

[SunnyDays]

What part of the country are you in?
Problem is that if you are somewhere that no-one wants to be a mentor, then there will be challenges.
Wait until Monday then call the BASC firearms team on 01244-573010.
I know they are a little short handed this week, but I bet they can get some options if asked.
(And yes, I do know someone who works for BASC!)

 

[trucraft]

I signed up to the scheme as someone who was able to mentor other stalkers needing more experience or just a foot in the door.
Unfortunately days after I sent BASC my details I commented to a local woman independent of the scheme.
One at a time is more than enough, meaning I can give them the time and opportunities they need.
However, since then I’ve had numerous emails asking if I was able to take someone else on. They simply pass me their name and email address and it’s up to me to contact them if I’m available. I understand they send the same email out to any other people locally that have signed up and willing to help.
For me in theory it’s a good idea and particularly helpful for people who don’t have friends or family in the sport or industry to learn from. However, I’ve imagine there is a considerable lack of people willing to sign up and take on someone random.

 

[Artful Dodger]

Put my name down for mentoring months ago and zilch. Spoke to a lady at BASC and she expanded the geographical areas and zilch.

Begs a number of questions.

I also contacted BASC about the scheme. My impression has been incredibly positive. I had an immediate response from Martin Edwards (Head of BASC deer mgt), several members offering to talk through what exactly I'm looking to achieve, and am currently hooked up with an extremely kind person who lives 10 miles away and has taken me out twice so far. A generous guy.

 

[Artful Dodger]

Put my name down for mentoring months ago and zilch. Spoke to a lady at BASC and she expanded the geographical areas and zilch.

Begs a number of questions.

 

[Free range rob]

Two sides to it.
As I’m full time on deer I signed up to help new people get a foot in the door.

I’ve had a few emails, 4 of which I’ve responded.
Pleased to say I’ve two guys that now come out with me, 1 is doing very well, the other has a hectic life and so it’s been a slow start, but hey that’s not an issue.
Unfortunatly, I’ve also had two, that upon very first contact were simply looking for places to shoot, they had almost everything you would ever need, open tickets, dsc 1&2, humane despatch, FAW+f etc etc, I didn’t bother pursuing those and simply said I was unable to offer anything.

For what it’s set up for it’s a good idea and works, but will always be a few who abuse it, Basc do not seem to filter it and simply do the introduction, down to the ones involved to chat and ask questions if it’s a suitable match.