BASC Mentoring Scheme

BRACES of Bristol - Sauer 100 XTA Stainless Package
I was looking for a mentor in surrey/Kent area, sent a few emails and got some responses but half of the mentors requested I had my own land or wanted close to commercial rates to take me out, which seems to defeat the purpose!

Still looking and considering syndicates that can provide similar mentor services...
 
Yeomans said:
I was looking for a mentor in surrey/Kent area, sent a few emails and got some responses but half of the mentors requested I had my own land or wanted close to commercial rates to take me out, which seems to defeat the purpose!

Still looking and considering syndicates that can provide similar mentor services...
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I'm not knocking you Yeomans, I was just wondering what your perception of the scheme is or your expectations were. My understanding of the scheme is very limited and I was just wondering how you envisaged the scheme would work.
For instance were you simply expecting to tag along with your mentor as a non shooting observer who asks questions on your mentor's ground. Or were you expecting to be taken on a guided stalk on his/her ground?

Personally I can understand why any potential mentors would expect you to have your own ground, or to make a charge if you were the actual stalker over their ground with the mentor acting just as an observer/adviser.
 
The
8x57 said:
I'm not knocking you Yeomans, I was just wondering what your perception of the scheme is or your expectations were. My understanding of the scheme is very limited and I was just wondering how you envisaged the scheme would work.
For instance were you simply expecting to tag along with your mentor as a non shooting observer who asks questions on your mentor's ground. Or were you expecting to be taken on a guided stalk on his/her ground?

Personally I can understand why any potential mentors would expect you to have your own ground, or to make a charge if you were the actual stalker over their ground with the mentor acting just as an observer/adviser.
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The former. Tag along, watch and learn, ask questions, help with the gralloch etc.
 
From what I understand and I may very well be wrong, as its a pretty ad hoc informal arrangement, perhaps the potential mentors have a different view of the situation?
 
outdoor585 said:
I have been mentioning a guy that came from the BASC scheme. I am always happy to show and help new deer stalkers or complete newbies. It's a shame if the scheme has not fully worked for everyone. I have got two guys though to DSC1 and working towards DSC2 now with both of them. Just think how hard it would be with us all helping each other.
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Just to add to this I have had 3 emails in the last 2 days from BASC asking if I can mentor anymore guys. So I can say BASC are trying to get help where help is needed. Well done 👍
 
outdoor585 said:
Just to add to this I have had 3 emails in the last 2 days from BASC asking if I can mentor anymore guys. So I can say BASC are trying to get help where help is needed. Well done 👍
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This is really good to hear from BASC. I reached out to them about it and got a very prompt and friendly reply, not heard back from the any of the potential mentors yet but it did all seem proactive so hopefully something opens up soon.

Yeomans said:
The

The former. Tag along, watch and learn, ask questions, help with the gralloch etc.
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This is 100% what I want from the scheme, have no issue with the idea of leaving the rifle at home (to be honest this is what I expected) and tagging along to watch learn. ask questions and be hands on with the gralloch and steps post shot.
 
Can I ask what are folk looking to get from a mentor?
A mentor in my opinion is just that, a mentor is person who is willing to help and guide someone through the process of an activity.
Reading some comments in various posts some are looking for ground or maybe I am wrong.
 
Happy stalker said:
Can I ask what are folk looking to get from a mentor?
A mentor in my opinion is just that, a mentor is person who is willing to help and guide someone through the process of an activity.
Reading some comments in various posts some are looking for ground or maybe I am wrong.
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What I’m really looking for in a mentor is someone who can support, teach, and guide a newcomer to the activity. For many people, the introduction often comes through family or close friends, passing down their knowledge and experience. I don’t have that background—in fact, some of my family are quite opposed to it—so I’m hoping to connect with someone who has years of experience and is willing to share the lessons they’ve learned. Alongside that, I’d value the chance to build a network and meet like-minded people.


From what I’ve read in the introductory information BASC provided, I believe that’s exactly what the mentoring scheme is designed to achieve. That said, as with many things, there can be a small minority who approach it with different intentions, such as simply seeking ground access or gaining free stalking.
 
TheDeerWalker said:
What I’m really looking for in a mentor is someone who can support, teach, and guide a newcomer to the activity. For many people, the introduction often comes through family or close friends, passing down their knowledge and experience. I don’t have that background—in fact, some of my family are quite opposed to it—so I’m hoping to connect with someone who has years of experience and is willing to share the lessons they’ve learned. Alongside that, I’d value the chance to build a network and meet like-minded people.


From what I’ve read in the introductory information BASC provided, I believe that’s exactly what the mentoring scheme is designed to achieve. That said, as with many things, there can be a small minority who approach it with different intentions, such as simply seeking ground access or gaining free stalking.
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I can offer that to you, as a BASC member myself I am happy to help any genuine BASC member.
DM me if you wish
 
It’s a good idea in principle, human nature means there are always going to be issues or potential problems arising . I have personally joined as a mentor and have had positive feedback so far , if you don’t know anyone that’s in to deer management or you can’t get ground through lack of experience , how are you meant to move forward .its all right going for level one and two ( which again I think is invaluable ) but that in its self will not gain you actual time in the field , and what better place to learn than hands on and watching people that have been doing it for a long time .
 
I registered as a mentor. Haven't had all that many enquiries. I do mentor one person who came through the scheme. There will always be a range of desires/expectations which is why I think it important to have a decent discussion with the potential mentee before committing. As already alluded to there will be people who aren't really in need of mentoring. There will also be people who are well aware of their areas for development and are looking to learn. Potential mentors just need to decide which people they want to work with.

On the whole I think the scheme is a pretty good idea.
 
I am mentoring someone through the scheme and also have had one opportunity to engage with an organisation to manage deer for them. It didn’t come off for me as they had a few people to choose from and went with someone more local, but shows it’s working.
The scheme sets out to achieve a number of objectives and has room for growth.
It aims to get more people qualified and therefore more appealing to those land owners and organisations that do now or will in the future need to cull more deer.
I am sure that BASC are working hard to bring more awareness to land owners, managers and organisations that will bring more opportunities for those qualified and on the register and this is where it needs to focus.
 
Worked for me. No previous experience in shooting. No friends or family that are involved. Started shooting in January at local range. Took a Fire Awareness Training with BASC in May.
Passed my DSC1 mid June. Ive applied for FAC end of June. Contacted basc. Basc blind copied every one who registered to be a mentor for a newcomers. Had couple of emails, 1 of them worked out. Went out on a stalk, shot my 1st buck. Mentor grolloched it, butchered it for me. Didnt took a penny(brought him a bottle of cogniac). Arranged a permission on one of his grounds( I cant shoot there without him). Got my FAC back mid Oct. with deer caliber rifle on a ticket. Texting him, ringing him when I have got questions or I need advice. As soon as weather gets better, he will organise another outing.
 
Ezelgoft said:
Worked for me. No previous experience in shooting. No friends or family that are involved. Started shooting in January at local range. Took a Fire Awareness Training with BASC in May.
Passed my DSC1 mid June. Ive applied for FAC end of June. Contacted basc. Basc blind copied every one who registered to be a mentor for a newcomers. Had couple of emails, 1 of them worked out. Went out on a stalk, shot my 1st buck. Mentor grolloched it, butchered it for me. Didnt took a penny(brought him a bottle of cogniac). Arranged a permission on one of his grounds( I cant shoot there without him). Got my FAC back mid Oct. with deer caliber rifle on a ticket. Texting him, ringing him when I have got questions or I need advice. As soon as weather gets better, he will organise another outing.
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I am glad it all worked out well for you, that’s exactly what we need to be able to do, by offering to help novices giving them sound advice and knowledge to build on and become a safe proficient stalker.
 
Having a read of this thread - overall it seems that joining BASC and getting the mentoring scheme as a beginner is a good idea, but I guess I need to be prepared it can be a bit hit and miss
 
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