Head Stalkers lead on all aspects of successful wild deer management. They manage stalking activities and contribute to the efficient culling of deer and the conservation and management of the natural habitat.
A Head Stalker will have responsibility for the management of all aspects of the deer programme on an estate; including weapon safety, deer shooting, habitat conservation, resources, people and security. They work closely with neighbouring estate stalkers to ensure an efficient, co-ordinated cull throughout the area.
Deer culls take place at different times of the year depending on the species, sex and where they are in the UK. Head Stalkers need to keep up to date on any changes to the law to give deer protection when they need it and produce a sustainable and healthy population. This work is an essential part of land management and conservation, benefiting moorland, woodland, farmland and other habitats.
You'll need:
an interest and knowledge in the countryside, wildlife, and natural habitats
a good level of physical fitness
a range of hands-on practical skills
patience, perseverance and be able to remain calm in stressful situations
be happy to work on your own or managing a larger team
excellent communication skills to work with a range of people such as landowners, farm managers, shooting clients and the public
excellent organisational skills for stalking days
good team management skills
a sound understanding of health and safety issues associated with the wildlife and conservation sector
You'll need a driving licence for most jobs, as well as shotgun and firearms certificates. Most roles will also require a recognised Deer Stalking Certificate.
You may also be required to have some experience of working with ponies and horses which are often used on stalks.
Around and over 40 hours per week as directed by the Estate Manager. Head Stalkers will be expected to work weekends and bank holidays as part of their client and shoot management duties. Start and finish times may vary in order to ensure efficient delivery of services and flexibility will be required in working hours to ensure the needs of the business are met.
Oversee the work of a small stalking team
Plan the management of wild deer
Take responsibility for small numbers of shooting guests, planning their shooting activities
Maintain and handle guns and oversee their use by guests
Shoot deer for culling purposes, to produce a sustainable and healthy population
Keep records of what's shot or caught and arrange the sale of game
Plan the management and conservation of the natural environment
Host small groups on stalks
Liaise with other had stalkers and gamekeepers to ensure a planned and efficient cull
Plan and manage pest and predator control
The job may involve some heavy physical work and. Head Stalkers will cover large areas of land on foot or in vehicles. You'll work outdoors in all types of weather, sometimes on your own.
Training is an essential part of any job, giving you the skills and knowledge you need to do your job safely and correctly. It also helps to strengthen your current skill set and prepares you for the next stage in your career.
Apprenticeships help you build the experience and skills that employers want to see. No matter what stage you’re at, they’ll help set you up for a bright future. There are lots of ways to get involved.
Progression opportunities are likely to require moving employers to a larger estate.
Head Stalker will usually work in one of the following industries. Click below to find out more about possible career paths.
Careers in wildlife management are flexible, varied and play a key role in management of the countryside.
Careers in wildlife management provide opportunity to manage the pressures that are placed in land and our wildlife. This includes managing conflicting land use, protecting wildlife and sustainable land management.
To work in this industry, you need practical skills, knowledge of the countryside and its wildlife, as well as an ability to work well with people.
If you can use your initiative, take responsibility and are prepared to work hard, this could be an incredibly rewarding career for you.
These courses are perfect if you are starting out on your career but they are also great for people already in jobs who want to improve their skills.
To find out more about qualification levels in England please visit Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) for England and Northern Ireland or Framework for Higher Education Qualifications for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ) .
To find out more about qualification levels in Northern Ireland please visit Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) for England and Northern Ireland or Framework for Higher Education Qualifications for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ).
To find out more about qualification levels in the Republic of Ireland, please visit National Framework of Qualifications for Ireland (NFQIE)
To find out more about qualification levels in Scotland please visit Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).
To find out more about qualification levels in Wales please visit Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW) or Framework for Higher Education Qualifications for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ).
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These courses are perfect if you are starting out on your career but they are also great for people already in jobs who want to improve their skills.
Whether you’re just starting out in the workplace, want to upskill or are considering changing direction, Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to build your career. Apprenticeships combine work with on-the-job training, so if you want to earn as you learn, there’s an apprenticeship out there for you – you can even start an apprenticeship if you already have a degree.
Work, earn and learn – no matter where you are in your career, an apprenticeship can set you up for a bright future.
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An apprenticeship is a unique blend of work experience and study to help build the skills and knowledge you need for your career. Apprentices are employees – they have a contract, are paid and get the same benefits as everyone else. But the difference between an apprenticeship and a normal job is that apprentices are regularly released from work for training. Sometimes that’s a day a week, sometimes it’s for a longer block – it all depends on the job and the apprenticeship.
Apprentices work for all kinds of people at all kinds of stages in their lives. Most apprentices fall into one of three categories:
Previously restricted to school leavers and young people, apprenticeships are now a dynamic way of retraining people of all ages - there’s no upper age limit. The minimum age to become an apprentice is 16 and candidates can’t be in full-time education.
Apprenticeships offer a unique combination of paid work and study. They’re an exciting option for anyone who wants to gain experience, upskill or change career while working.
They offer a chance to work, learn and earn:
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British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC)
Find out more
Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT)
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British Deer Society (BDS)
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Scottish Gamekeepers Association
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The National Gamekeepers Organisation (NGO)
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Thinking about your finances is important when you're looking at courses and training - different types of funding support is available depending on what type of course you're interested in and where you are located. We recommend you contact the training provider for more information on course costs and financing, but here are some links to connect you to support available:
Skills Hub Scotland is an online skill sharing marketplace creating new opportunities to learn and share skills. Wherever you are located - if you have a skill to share, or a skill to learn, Skills Hub Scotland can help.
Initially founded as a response to the Scottish Government’s CivTech 5 programme in 2020 and aiming to offer a platform for those in rural or remote locations, Skills Hub Scotland has been developed into an important sectoral resource. If you have a skill to share with others or are a training provider, list your workshop or course (all skills from all sectors are welcome). If you are a learner, use Skills Hub Scotland to search for and book a course!
STEM is an approach to learning and development that incorporates the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Learning in STEM connects to Education for Sustainable Development/Learning for Sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals – this helps learners to understand that STEM plays a vital role in finding solutions to real world issues or challenges such as protecting biodiversity and tackling climate change. There are multiple pathways into a land-based STEM career including apprenticeships, further and higher education. This means that a career in STEM is open to everyone!
STEM Learning is the largest provider of STEM education and careers support in the UK. Their STEM Ambassadors programme sees volunteers representing a vast range of STEM-related jobs work with young people to bring STEM subjects alive through real life experiences. They help to open the doors to a world of opportunities and possibilities which come from pursuing STEM subjects and careers. To become a STEM Ambassador, you can register via the STEM Learning website: https://www.stem.org.uk/stem-ambassadors/join-stem-ambassador-programme
Lantra have worked in collaboration with STEM Ambassadors in Scotland to create two specific UK-wide Ambassadors schemes - Forestry and Aquaculture. Through these schemes, we want to make sure that those working in forestry and aquaculture have the support materials they need to take part in STEM activities. To find out more and register for the schemes, please follow the links below:
Smart Futures helps young people in Ireland discover the STEM subjects and careers that might be right for them. Co-ordinated and managed by Science Foundation Ireland, their programme allows young people to connect with people that are working in STEM, the organisations they’re working in and what their interests and skills are.
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