Do you think that the current shooting test for the DSC1 qualification is suitable or sufficient?

[bottletopbill]

Lets not forget members are also mentored by members of this site for bore sighting and distance shooting.
Cleaning is a open issue as we all know it varies person to person

 

[dazrc]

Interesting split on the vote. Those who said yes. How many shots do you take to zero your rifle?

How does this affect how one voted ?

 

[StueyD]

I had a bloke next to me fail the shooting test after he shot "my" deer target in the arse.

I then went on to pass but just, as put one pretty much on the line as was over thinking it at the time.

 

[bottletopbill]

You always get one on a course during my DSC1 last year a guy kept failing to identify fallow despite being told what signs to look for.

The only thing with a estate rifle is not being set up to you a guy next to me failed as he wore glasses and rifle did not suit him but he was a good shot
so yes the test is good enough it is up to you to get more gun safe and training if needed.
Learn back drops and distance and wear to aim and deer season's
Been shooting shotgun for years took up rifles a few years ago at 62 years old have done my third stalk at 67yrs
So go for it folks I am still a novice and being mentored by a great stalker

 

[spurs14]

I’ve just completed my dsc1 and in fairness I think it does what it says on the tin ! , it’s a general all round test on knowledge and ability , no one is going to come away thinking their a marksman or a competent stalker , it’s a good test as your under pressure being watched over so you need to be calm and composed , I’ve heard of experienced stalkers failing the shooting because of the added stress of being watched and judged !
It’s a way to show you are serious in your stalking and have shown yourself to be competent , a first step in learning ,

 

[GlennUK]

My only suggestion would be to use a photographic image as the target with the ‘kill’ area on the reverse side instead of the solid black silhouette.

FWIW the kill zone on my DSC1 test was not visible during the test taken earlier this year.

 

[VSS]

FWIW the kill zone on my DSC1 test was not visible during the test taken earlier this year.

That is as it should be.

 

[GlennUK]

That is as it should be.

Agreed and having listened to the instructions on where to aim for the 100m, 70m and 15m the test is fairly straight forward IMHO. On my course of 6 only one guy failed, an experienced stalker IIRC, but he mistaken shot the 70m target from the 100m position and therefore invalidated his test.

 

[Rick Dagless MD]

Not having the kill zone highlighted seems reasonable, because actual live deer don't have a target drawn on them either.

When I did my DSC1 I used my own rifle, fitted with a scope that has an illuminated reticle. I can see how it might be slightly harder to be sure of your aim if you don't have this facility, as you're trying to put black crosshairs on a black target.

From my perspective, coming from a target shooting background, I didn't feel any pressure from people watching me as this is what normally happens on a range. I can see how the pressure might get to those who are used to doing their shooting alone.

 

[Donkey Basher]

FWIW the kill zone on my DSC1 test was not visible during the test taken earlier this year.

My comment was nothing to do with whether the kill zone was visible on the target or not, simply that it would be a much better test if what you were shooting at actually resembled the quarry more than simply being a black silhouette!

 

[Oracle]

My comment was nothing to do with whether the kill zone was visible on the target or not, simply that it would be a much better test if what you were shooting at actually resembled the quarry more than simply being a black silhouette!

The ‘non descript’ black silhouette target was, IIRC, brought in as a result of the 2007 Regulatory Reform Order. As the Level 1 shooting test (at that time) required a deer legal calibre rifle using expanding ammunition the standard target tended to be either the DJV Roe buck target or a fallow doe. Once the .22CF calibres were permitted for non native deer species, the DMQ DSC1 target needed to be “standardised” to allow for any deer legal calibre rifle to be used by those taking the shooting assessment…..look on the silhouette as just another target, which happens to somewhat roughly resemble a deer of some species……too many candidates overthink the Level 1 shooting assessment module and cause themselves problems.

 

[baguio]

Agreed and having listened to the instructions on where to aim for the 100m, 70m and 15m the test is fairly straight forward IMHO. On my course of 6 only one guy failed, an experienced stalker IIRC, but he mistaken shot the 70m target from the 100m position and therefore invalidated his test.

Did he pass on his second attempt?

 

[bottletopbill]

Think we are forgetting NERVES and and weather and use of a different rifle plus other's looking .
I had never shot a deer or fox before my DSC1 test or the rifle. But with luck passed at first target
Other's had shot deer before but failed but there is no shame in that (under pressure )
Try to stay calm all the other's on the course are the same trying to pass ps good luck

My first stalk with a great guide was so much more relaxed and he encouraged me and my first roe in the bag.

 

[GlennUK]

Did he pass on his second attempt?

Im not sure, i left immediately after my test as i had 250miles to drive home. He was so annoyed, his shot placement was fine but he had three in the 70m target and only 1 in the 100m. So no issue with accuracy per se.