DSC2 holders. How many stalks to complete 3 ICRs and at what cost?

[baguio]

Any more for any more? I repeat that this has no bearing on anyone's stalking ability as there are far too many variables for anyone to judge that!
baguio

 

[willie_gunn]

When I did my DSC2 all my stalking was paid stalking, and I was going out two or perhaps three times per month.

I don't recall the exact number, but I would think I did my witnessed stalks across maybe four or five paid outings. Back then I was paying somewhere around £50 per stalk, plus normal cull fees and, I think, £10 to cover the administration for each ICR.

So my DSC2 was just a natural extension of my regular stalking outings.

Hmmm....lots of probably's, perhaps's and maybe's, but hopefully you get the idea.

 

[Ranger22]

Did it years ago. If my memory serves me right, it was done and dusted in one day. Can't remember the cost

Al

 

[lambsey]

3 stalks, and just eternal gratitude

Cracking response

 

[Dan Gliballs]

3 stalks AND got paid for doing them

Cant be bad.

 

[Stalker48]

2 stalks and £175

 

[Tackleberry270]

2 stalks and £175

Don't you mean 3 stalks?

 

[trouble]

3 stalks no costs

 

[baguio]

Bump

 

[davidm]

6 stalks no cost.

 

[Greymaster]

If you go for the 'traditional' route of AW stalks, the average amount of stalks required to complete three ICRs is fifteen.
However, the last time I quoted this figure (Which I have from an AW) I had a lot of quite critical responses, so maybe I shouldn't repeat it.
Oops, I just did.

The new Park deer DSC2 scheme's work out much better and therefore despite the quite high cost for say a 2-day park deer DSC2 it is actually the cheaper route.
And gentleman, when I say 15 I mean on average. So please no angry replies that you or someone you know did it in less than 15 stalks. Those that took 20 or more stalks will probably keep very quiet.

I know what you mean. Apparently 1/2 the conscripts in WW1 were below average height and the other 1/2 were above...

 

[baguio]

Whilst certainly not conclusive I think we're getting a reasonable answer that 5 or 6 stalks is a realistic number of stalks that Mr Average takes to complete his portfolio based on actual data. Please keep them coming though.
Baguio

 

[Tackleberry270]

mmmm. I'm not so sure that the candidates that took a higher than average stalks to complete their portfolio and spend a packet in the process are going to want to advertise it? Conversely I think those that completed it in a good amount of time and spent little are more likely to want to tell about it. ... might not be as balanced as you hope. Just saying !!! Have a bump on me anyway.

 

[baguio]

mmmm. I'm not so sure that the candidates that took a higher than average stalks to complete their portfolio and spend a packet in the process are going to want to advertise it? Conversely I think those that completed it in a good amount of time and spent little are more likely to want to tell about it. ... might not be as balanced as you hope. Just saying !!! Have a bump on me anyway.

Agreed Tackleberry but unless people will come forward with their figures (no prejudice like I have said before) then it's as good as we're going to get. I do feel however that it's blown the 15 average that's been mentioned out of the water. For example if the next 23 stalkers post figures of 15 stalks onto this thread it's still only going to push the average up to just over 10!
Baguio

 

[nell]

mmmm. I'm not so sure that the candidates that took a higher than average stalks to complete their portfolio and spend a packet in the process are going to want to advertise it? Conversely I think those that completed it in a good amount of time and spent little are more likely to want to tell about it. ... might not be as balanced as you hope. Just saying !!! Have a bump on me anyway.

Big +1 on that, 4 stalks and £150 for me.. Used my own ground,cost me £50 for an AW to come , used a lad who had his L2 to witness a kill only to tick the final box..

 

[Tackleberry270]

How are people defining 'stalk'. 1. Each separate attempt to get in range of a suitable deer? 2. Each time the candidate says 'nothing here let's try the next spot' ? Or 3. Each time you meet with an AW and get out?

 

[arron]

4 stalks in total , total price £90, 3 seperate witnesses

 

[Wingers243]

3 stalks and £100 to cover the AW's trouble.

 

[Simiester]

Three stalks, £120, tea and biscuits included...done in Hampshire

 

[Erik Hamburger]

mmmm. I'm not so sure that the candidates that took a higher than average stalks to complete their portfolio and spend a packet in the process are going to want to advertise it? Conversely I think those that completed it in a good amount of time and spent little are more likely to want to tell about it. ... might not be as balanced as you hope. Just saying !!! Have a bump on me anyway.

Yeahh...lies, damned lies, and statistics

Personally I see no shame in admitting that I struggled to achieve the three ICRs, it took me 16 stalks, a lot of time, and a lot of money.
In fact, I think it is important that potential new candidates realise that it is both time consuming and costly. (on average )
Naturally some of those that offer DSC2 witnessed stalks on a purely commercial basis will have a vested interest in not making this too clear to potential new clients. (And before I get a lot of replies to say that is not true, I used the word 'some')