Wanted: Searching for work around deer. Wetherby, west yorkshire

[Lucas Hodgsom]

Hello,

I am 18 and will be leaving my college Land & Wildife course mid June. I have a strong interest in deer management/stalking, wanting to get into this. Almost have my DSC1 qualification, with a few other qualifications aquired currently or wanting in the future, such as my section 1. Does anyone know anywhere I could try to find work surrounding deer management in the West Yorkshire, Wetherby area?

Thank you for reading

 

[Reloader708]

Keep an eye on Bolton Abbey estate, their wildlife ranger has recently left. It might be a foot in the door starting with the rabbits and squirrels and getting to know how commercial forestry operates.

 

[WalkedUp]

You may need to travel initially, but what a great adventure. Something as an assistant at first would give you a lot of valuable experience. Eg:

Vacancy: Thread 'Culling assistant'

Feb 15, 2026

Non shooting Culling assistant.

DESCRIPTION
Central scotland
Night and daytime culling
Non shooting role to start with but for right person the opportunity is there.
Full and part time available.
Atv cert desirable
Primarily September to april but summer work there also.
Familiar with capstan winch/rope work.
Accommodation can be provided.

Ideal opportunity for a young lad wanting to learn.


REQUIREMENTS
●dmq 1
●Emergency first aid +forestry
●Manual handling
●drivers licence
●Fac/Sgc cert

• 🦌G.S🦌
• Replies: 3
• Forum: Jobs & Employment

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[Deerkeeper2]

Keep an eye on Bolton Abbey estate, their wildlife ranger has recently left. It might be a foot in the door starting with the rabbits and squirrels and getting to know how commercial forestry operates.

I believe that job is being advertised right now, I’m sure I’ve seen it somewhere. I don’t think it includes deer work.

 

[NickJ]

I believe that job is being advertised right now, I’m sure I’ve seen it somewhere. I don’t think it includes deer work.

It didn't, squirrels, rabbits. It's closed

 

[monarman]

Spend a season as a stalking ghillie up North... always a great experience and a good way to learn and to get a foot in the door.

 

[NickJ]

It didn't, squirrels, rabbits. It's closed

Found it https://www.ruralrecruits.co.uk/jobs/forestry-mammal-controller

 

[Lucas Hodgsom]

Is this possible when you dont have a firearms certificate or practical experience?

Spend a season as a stalking ghillie up North... always a great experience and a good way to learn and to get a foot in the door.

 

[Deerkeeper2]

Is this possible when you dont have a firearms certificate or practical experience?

Absolutely. It is a very good option.

 

[Chris Richardson]

I believe that job is being advertised right now, I’m sure I’ve seen it somewhere. I don’t think it includes deer work.

There are very few wild deer at Bolton abbey my aunt used to have a farm there , the odd roe that’s it

 

[Chris Richardson]

Pm
Sent

 

[VSS]

Spend a season as a stalking ghillie up North... always a great experience and a good way to learn and to get a foot in the door.

Exactly this ^^^
That's exactly what my daughter did, same age as you, after finishing the same/similar college course.
She's been full-time in the deer industry ever since.
She's also very committed to helping other young people get started in deer, and her current role is in training, so you could drop her a message @Mouse

 

[Greenmist]

Is this possible when you dont have a firearms certificate or practical experience?

Yes, I suggested a position to someone very similar last year, most people refused the job as it was as a volunteer, turned out it was a paid internship

 

[WalkedUp]

Yes, I suggested a position to someone very similar last year, most people refused the job as it was as a volunteer, turned out it was a paid internship

That does not surprise me. A role can be envisioned as voluntary, but if it has set hours, defined responsibilities and an expectation that the person attends and contributes to the work of the business, it can quickly start to look more like ‘work’ than ‘volunteering’ from a law and tax perspective.

A different industry but we have quite a lot of young people who offer to volunteer or gain experience informally with us, but as a chartered practice operating within UK employment law, we cannot accept these arrangements that could realistically be interpreted as unpaid work. My understanding is that genuine volunteering only really works where there is no contractual obligation, no fixed hours, no expectation of attendance and no payment beyond genuine expenses.

That is why we ran a paid summer programme last year instead, which worked well. Unfortunately, margins and cash flow are tighter this year, so it is harder to offer the same opportunity again.

It is a difficult balance. The rules do help prevent exploitation and, in principle, they level the playing field. However, in my own profession they can also create a barrier for younger people trying to get experience, particularly where small practices are already operating on tight margins and the lower end of the salary scale has become very compressed with the increased Minimum Wage.

 

[CarlHoward]

I believe there is a ranger team within the National Trust who work at Fountains Abbey - they don't do the stalking but they do liaise with stalkers and are responsible for managing the estates deer population I think. Might be worth seeing if you can find a contact.