PDS1 Certificate & Proficient Deer Stalker Training vs DSC1

Bummer now I’m really confused. I was looking at this as PDSC route as an option as it’s real difficult finding somewhere to learn the craft if you’re not in the know.

In desperation I’ve stumped up for a days tuition informal training with Anglia sporting just so I can start to learn something at £175 for a days training with extra £40 quid for the ammo in Stowmarket.

I’m then hoping I can make a few contacts to find other methods of learning more about the craft.

I’m just about to start applying for my FAC and anything that helps that seems a blessing to me but now I’m not so sure I’m another fool about to be parted from his money.

Mostly been range shooting for past six month with .22LR and .357 and .38 at 25m and groupings about an 1/2 inch with scope and rest.

So still somewhat more experience to go any advice greatly accepted.

Must remember YouTube is simply a video version of Facebook and full of dubious content and adverts.
 
Bummer now I’m really confused. I was looking at this as PDSC route as an option as it’s real difficult finding somewhere to learn the craft if you’re not in the know.

In desperation I’ve stumped up for a days tuition informal training with Anglia sporting just so I can start to learn something at £175 for a days training with extra £40 quid for the ammo in Stowmarket.

I’m then hoping I can make a few contacts to find other methods of learning more about the craft.

I’m just about to start applying for my FAC and anything that helps that seems a blessing to me but now I’m not so sure I’m another fool about to be parted from his money.

Mostly been range shooting for past six month with .22LR and .357 and .38 at 25m and groupings about an 1/2 inch with scope and rest.

So still somewhat more experience to go any advice greatly accepted.

Must remember YouTube is simply a video version of Facebook and full of dubious content and adverts.
Getting out with a good guide is worth it, as they can show / teach you what they do and you can ask questions
 
DSC1 came about some years ago. It is recognised by most institutions, such as the FC as the industry standard to achieve. Added to this is DSC 2 which is proof a certain extent that a stalker has achieved a reasonable standard to put deer carcasses into the food chain. Again this is the recognised industry standard.

Level One costs about £300 for a 3 day course. Usually run by an Assessor, who must have achieved an assessment qualification to run the course. And usually another experienced stalker, or Approved Witness.
When you have achieved Level 1 a candidate can then go on and take their Level 2, which is with an Approved Witness. One ICR is now required to pass. The fee to register for this is about £180.

These PDS courses are usually run by non Assessors, and are as a rule expensive, to the tune of £500 per candidate, and from what I have seen are less than a day, and do not cover anywhere near the subjects that DSC 1 does. Which as a rule is a 3 day course.

Those who choose to take PDS course, will find that they cannot then go onto to take DSC Level 2, as they do not have DSC 1.

Most leases, especially those offered by the Forestry Commission, and other bodies require a stalker to have DSC 1 and 2 before applying for a lease.

People can make their own choices, but if you are starting out in the stalking world, my advice would be to book yourself onto a DSC 1 course.
 
A friend of mine doing a degree completed pds1 as part of his course as its recognised by the forestry commission apparently. So as much as there are naysayers for it, it would appear its well embedded
 
A friend of mine doing a degree completed pds1 as part of his course as its recognised by the forestry commission apparently. So as much as there are naysayers for it, it would appear its well embedded
It has been adopted by Harper Adams University as their stalking qualification of choice for students studying land based courses, and it is LANTRA accredited.

The DSC1 & 2 remain the most widely accepted, though.
 

A quick search and PDS1 explained in detail.
 
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