Is there a requirement for DSC level 1 for Stalking in Northern Ireland?

[Harv308]

Hi. I live in NI and can advise that deer stalking opportunities over here are very few and far between! However, if the lad can prove his 18 yrs of experience e.g. Letters from Estates/Professional Stalkers etc., and he has a DSC.1 or similar (desirable but not essential if you can prove significant experience) he should be ok. His NI FAC will probably be "Open" enabling him to shoot on any "suitable" land where he has permission for deer - in view of the lack of deer here actually getting NI landowners' permissions might be a significant problem! However if this is so and all else fails he could argue that he will be continuing to shoot in Scotland as a visitor and enclose appropriate written permissions with his NI application. Be interesting to hear how he gets on.
Good luck to him.
B

Thanks for that. He has previously always stalked with me here in Scotland. Have records of all the deer he has shot. I’m also an approved witness for level 2 DSC so can confirm how well he carrys out his stalking.
BASC have said to him they have been waiting for someone like him applying in NI and are following his application with great interest. His rifle is still here in Scotland at the moment. ( on both our certificates)

 

[Roestalker39]

Why

Hi. I live in NI and can advise that deer stalking opportunities over here are very few and far between! However, if the lad can prove his 18 yrs of experience e.g. Letters from Estates/Professional Stalkers etc., and he has a DSC.1 or similar (desirable but not essential if you can prove significant experience) he should be ok. His NI FAC will probably be "Open" enabling him to shoot on any "suitable" land where he has permission for deer - in view of the lack of deer here actually getting NI landowners' permissions might be a significant problem! However if this is so and all else fails he could argue that he will be continuing to shoot in Scotland as a visitor and enclose appropriate written permissions with his NI application. Be interesting to hear how he gets on.
Good luck to him.
B

Why is it desirable ? It’s a course you can pass having never seen a deer ( and many do ) or having held a rifle before the shooting test ?

 

[Foxyboy43]

PS
A "qualification" for deer stalking is definitely not a requirement of NI Firearms Licensing rather it is PSNI policy to ask for one as part of their due process to confirm "suitability" of the applicant. I can speak with a little authority on this as many years ago I applied to PSNI for a .308 for deer and as part of my supporting documentation I stated that I did not have, and would not be applying for, a DSC or similar - rather 20 years stalking experience stood me in better stead than spending hundreds of pounds and 2 weekends in a classroom. I also pointed out that with this "requirement" PSNI was acting as a recruiting sergeant and fund-raiser for BDS, SAC etc. which I considered to be outside their remit/powers! Since then I have had a 6.5x55 for deer/goat added and had my FAC renewed - all without a "qualification". The moral is be honest; do your research; be sure of your facts and if you believe you are right - do not take "no" for an answer. Simples!

 

[Roestalker39]

Thanks for that. He has previously always stalked with me here in Scotland. Have records of all the deer he has shot. I’m also an approved witness for level 2 DSC so can confirm how well he carrys out his stalking.
BASC have said to him they have been waiting for someone like him applying in NI and are following his application with great interest. His rifle is still here in Scotland at the moment. ( on both our certificates)

I wouldn’t hold out too much hope with basc it’s in their interests for these certs to become more enforced by police

 

[Foxyboy43]

Why

Why is it desirable ? It’s a course you can pass having never seen a deer ( and many do ) or having held a rifle before the shooting test ?

Indeed! I know guys who have done it with no intention of even getting a gun. My use of "Desirable" is in the context of PSNI's policy of a standard initial flat refusal if you haven't got it but this is ONLY their "policy" rather than enshrined in firearms law - especially challengeable if you can evidence significant experience. Basically it is used as a quick "filter" to help keep firearms numbers down in NI ( and elsewhere ?) or am I just being cynical?