Deer stalking and FAC

[jim37]

just done my first stalk at the weekend and got 2 roe doe I’m still feeling the buzz it was like catching your first fish all over again anyway as I have been looking to apply for my FAC I was just wondering how people go around finding syndicate places ? Also if they have got their FAC with just the reason that they use the rifle for payed days? And are people members of rifle clubs to zero scopes and test ammunition ect? Or do they just have permission to shoot over land and use that to zero rifles and test ammunition? Sorry about all the questions any information would be greatly appreciated

 

[Zstalker]

Getting permission on land is the easiest route.

Joining a rifle club is also a good route if you also have proof of paid stalks, that way you can get your FAC for stalking and target shooting.

If you only join a rifle club your FAC may not be granted for deer stalking.

Syndicates are often advertised on here, usually you need DSC1 and insurance as a minimum.

Finding a mentor for yourself would be very useful as it helps you build experience and confidence.

 

[jim37]

Getting permission on land is the easiest route.

Joining a rifle club is also a good route if you also have proof of paid stalks, that way you can get your FAC for stalking and target shooting.

If you only join a rifle club your FAC may not be granted for deer stalking.

Syndicates are often advertised on here, usually you need DSC1 and insurance as a minimum.

Finding a mentor for yourself would be very useful as it helps you build experience and confidence.

Thanks for your reply I do plan on doing more Stalks before before applying and doing my dsc 1 once I’m get more confident .
also looking at a carcass butchery course not that that would help my FAC application I imagine
How do you go about finding a mentor?

 

[VSS]

just done my first stalk at the weekend and got 2 roe doe I’m still feeling the buzz it was like catching your first fish all over again anyway as I have been looking to apply for my FAC I was just wondering how people go around finding syndicate places ? Also if they have got their FAC with just the reason that they use the rifle for payed days? And are people members of rifle clubs to zero scopes and test ammunition ect? Or do they just have permission to shoot over land and use that to zero rifles and test ammunition? Sorry about all the questions any information would be greatly appreciated

Yes, you can apply for your FAC based on paid outings. Keep receipts for outings you've already done, and get a few forthcoming bookings in hand, to support your application.

 

[Zstalker]

If there is anyone you know locally who does a bit of stalking ask them to take you through it/go out with them where possible.

Joining a rifle club may be a good start to meet people.

Alternatively look for some beating opportunities in your local area as this will put you in touch with like minded people.

 

[cjm1066]

If you planning on DMQ1 the sooner the better, you will meet lots in a similar position to yourself.

 

[Roebuck9]

Thanks for your reply I do plan on doing more Stalks before before applying and doing my dsc 1 once I’m get more confident .
also looking at a carcass butchery course not that that would help my FAC application I imagine
How do you go about finding a mentor?

Hi best of luck with your DSC1 course if you are computer literate then look for the DSC1 course questions and answers papers, there are a number available so that you can learn all about it at your own pace so that you can pass it instead of trying to learn it all at the time you are going to take the exam.

Recognising the 6 species of deer in UK from different photos may take a time depending on the photo's presented. Some never achieve this, if you read the comments on recent indentity wanted forum, what is it? a Roe Doe or a Roe Buck or a Sika Doe or Yearling? LOL

It all takes time give yourself the best chance and only take the exam. when you know you are ready.

 

[jim37]

Hi best of luck with your DSC1 course if you are computer literate then look for the DSC1 course questions and answers papers, there are a number available so that you can learn all about it at your own pace so that you can pass it instead of trying to learn it all at the time you are going to take the exam.

Recognising the 6 species of deer in UK from different photos may take a time depending on the photo's presented. Some never achieve this, if you read the comments on recent indentity wanted forum, what is it? a Roe Doe or a Roe Buck or a Sika Doe or Yearling? LOL

It all takes time give yourself the best chance and only take the exam. when you know you are ready.

Thanks you for your reply I will have a look for the question and answer papers.

 

[Neilhicking]

I have a FAC for FAC air rifle, 17HMR and .22 250 and various permissions for ground vermin local to me in Derbyshire. I completed my DSC1 last February, but have no experience of stalking. I would like to apply for a deer calibre in addition to the rifles already held. There are a few and occasional roe and muntjac on my permissions, but the local FA officer suggest this was not justification for me applying for a deer calibre on this basis. Any thoughts experiences and advice welcome.
I'm also looking for opportunities to go out with experienced stalkers. Open to offers!

 

[Stevie/P]

Swap the 22-250 for .243 deer legal and suitable for vermin.

 

[Neilhicking]

Yes that is probably what I would do, but the FAO has said I need to demonstrate need for deer legal calibre. I have passed go for the .22 250 up to fox, but have not for any thing larger and not for deer.

 

[Stevie/P]

Get one of your land owners to give you a letter stating you have authority to control deer on said land. I don’t see how the FA can object.

 

[Neilhicking]

thanks, I hadn't looked at it that way!

 

[Oracle]

Yes that is probably what I would do, but the FAO has said I need to demonstrate need for deer legal calibre. I have passed go for the .22 250 up to fox, but have not for any thing larger and not for deer.

The 22-250 on your FAC is already a suitable calibre, being deer legal for muntjac.Your FLD should automatically condition that rifle for AOLQ, as per HO Guidance. If you have muntjac on one of your permissions plus authority from the landowner to shoot deer, in this case muntjac, then that is all that is required.

 

[Neilhicking]

Yes I already understand all that, but thanks for your comment. The original issue was/is the circumstances required to be granted a deer calibre (excluding CWD/muntjac and Roe in Scotland). Specifically a calibre that is at least .240, greater than 1700 ft.lb muzzle energy and all the rest if in Scotland. 270Win seems the way to go if I can only satisfy the need to "demonstrate good need". The issue for me is most of my permissions would probably not be deemed suitable for a deer calibre (above caveats apply), despite me having an open ticket. That being said I would not want to use a deer calibre in a lot of places, because it would not be appropriate or safe. Any advice of similar "displaying need" to the police most welcome.

 

[ashray]

neilhicking, it would have been much much better for you to have started your own post rather than jump allover jim37 post ,rude!

 

[Neilhicking]

My sincere apologies, I didn't realise there were rules in this forum, which I had hoped was in place for communication and shared experience. Given the title of this thread, "FAC and deer stalking" I had thought my comments were relevant. Obviously not. It does seem that some want to pontificate and adopt an arrogant position, having been recognised as a "well known member". How do you get that ticket? By making these kind of negative comments? Apologies once again, my mistake. This is obviously not the place for me.

 

[Stalker62]

Apologies once again, my mistake. This is obviously not the place for me.

@Neilhicking
@ashray
@jim37

Gentlemen,

At the risk of 'tramping' all over another chap's thread (the irony is not lost on me).

Someone starts a thread. A new chap jumps in (clearly, not yet fully conversant with the site's etiquette (I know! there is an etiquette apparently) and norms.

He is admonished (rather harshly it appears - if I may say so), and responds by questioning whether or not this site is for him.

That would be a shame.

This site is (by and large) a decent way to interact with like-minded folk, and one hates to think of others missing out, because of some minor peccadillo and over exuberant chastisement.

I hope that all parties, return to the site this morning in better humour, and 'normal service' can be resumed for all.

Now, with apologies to the OP, for crashing all over his thread, I must away to my second Shoot day of the season - the weather does not look great and I have much to do...

 

[ColinJ]

Apologies once again, my mistake. This is obviously not the place for me.

It’s forum etiquette not to hijack someone else’s thread. Doesn’t matter if it’s deerstalking or knitting toilet roll covers. Start your own thread and you will get help, advice and guidance. There are lots of great people on here.
*But* there are a few trolls sitting in their mom’s basement, and that’s what the ignore button is for.
If you are over-sensitive then this might not be the best place for you. Good luck whatever you decide.

 

[jcampbellsmith]

Thanks for your reply I do plan on doing more Stalks before before applying and doing my dsc 1 once I’m get more confident .
also looking at a carcass butchery course not that that would help my FAC application I imagine
How do you go about finding a mentor?

Join Central Scotland - The British Deer Society
Regards
JCS