PDS1 Certificate & Proficient Deer Stalker Training vs DSC1

[Sampo]

Not sure if this was discussed here or not as I couldn't find anything over a google search. I am wondering if there was someone who has done both PDS1 and DSC1 or had exposure to both to comment on how different these are. Based on what I can read, the PDS1 appears to be a posh version for a beginner to get started on stalking, mostly limited to London and surrounding areas. This is also followed by PDS2, that is aimed at demonstrating dedication and live stalking ‘experience’, an element that is often required by the police before granting an FAC. Duration 3 – 12 months. Cost £1,975 + Vat.

PDS1 Certificate

Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1 (PDS1) The Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1 (PDS1) is a Deer Management Certificate (DMC), that has nat...

www.countydeerstalking.co.uk

Love to hear on members views on the course and on the validity.

 

[finnbear270]

 

[Rory]

Sounds like a potentially 'good way' to get some experience if you have a lot of money, not a lot of time and don't have access to land and anyone to show you the ropes.
Some of the wording is a bit much "...a crucial first step in obtaining a FAC".
Not sure if it's a dressed up DSC1 and DSC2, which it sounds like it is, but it doesn't make it clear tbh (though you only do two AW stalks from the blurb, not three).
Probably handy for those with a lot of money and not a lot of time or connections.

 

[Shootgun]

Again another money making scheme invented by the owner of the self proclaimed finest hunting club in UK...

I can offer PTSD1 and PTSD2 at a fraction of the cost...

 

[.270]

Wait for the Sheep.

 

[Highfield]

Is it industry recognised as equivalent to DSC Level one and two? Acceptable to Forestry Commission?

 

[takbok]

Book some stalks with a local provider and get experience that way - book one at a time so that you aren't beholden to anyone and if one provider isn't good then move on (don't encourage mediocre service). Do the ordinary DSC1. Keep it simple

 

[springbok787]

A mate of mine looked into this as he thought it was DSC 1 and 2. It was only when he started quoting me prices one evening that I actually had a look because in more detail. to me DSC costs roughly £300 not £500, which is what got me looking.

Turns out PDS 1 is a one day introduction on a one to one basis, which I am sure has it’s place but I guess it’s not recognised by FLO’s, game dealers or landowners. Also to my mind for £500 you could get 5-6 stalks on Does, which with the right stalker probably means you would learn allot more?

 

[Klenchblaize]

When does Jimbo1984 come up for release on a Temporary License?

K

 

[CarlW]

It is a rip-off. As said above, do a few paid stalks (and some free ones with the nice people on here), get DSC1 and/or DSC2 if you fancy it (but it is not a requirement), then start looking for a syndicate or some ground of your own.

Kind regards,

Carl

 

[Woodsmoke]

What a crock of sh1t

 

[User00047]

What the deuce?? Did these people just invent their own qualification?
maybe I can offer people the Buckaroo8 Proficient **** Taker level 1 course.
12 x 4hr outings spaced out over the course of one year, learning all from the comfort of a warm public house, where clients can buy me beer while I talk about stalking and flirt with hot barmaids. £1950 + beer money. no vat! Cash only.
Bargain. PM me to book your places now folks!

 

[Sika-Hunter]

Its Just an upper class qualification for the gentry who can afford it

 

[hendrix's rifle]

Il happily do the land checks for 250 quid, hell il do it for 100!

 

[James0586]

Sad really. Someone would have walked straight into that not knowing any better. It’s a shame that such people/companies operate in such a way they have a fancy website and talk the talk but in fact are fleecing you. I bet they won’t put any deer in the chiller from this and will be £2K down. Not good!

 

[Shootgun]

And to top it up, the inventor and promotor of this money milking scheme, is an ex-Metropolitan Police officer ...

 

[Sika-Hunter]

Its all linked to The Capreolus Club who hold there meetings at the Marks Club in Mayfair no less ,so you can see where some poor gullible sods money is going towards!

 

[Dickie]

And you can join that club for £250 a quarter + vat for some land to stalk unaccompanied.
Any members on here?

 

[starr shot]

Looks like a bargain to me says you get lunch, training manual, rifle & ammunition doesn’t say anything about giving it back

 

[Rory]

And you can join that club for £250 a quarter + vat for some land to stalk unaccompanied.
Any members on here?

I think that to stalk unaccompanied you need to be in the 'Crapeolus Plus' group which requires extra money (not stated how much on the site, but says you should get in contact...). I would imagine the £250 per quarter still means you need to pay a guide and will need to pay for the animal as well.
Very expensive, but you can see how this will appeal to some exclusive types who can afford it and like the feeljng of belonging to some sort of inner sanctum.