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About
The 'Proficient Deer Stalker Certificate (PDS1) is an established and widely recognised course that delivers a unique level of practical and theory-based training, either online or in the field.
For over a decade County Deer Stalking has, through its trusted instruction, helped hundreds of beginners to become competent in the art of deer stalking. All our trainers are highly experienced professional, full-time deer managers and 'Approved Witnesses' (AW) in 'Deer Management Qualifications'. Our lead instructor Peter S Jones is a well-known and trusted expert in the industry and has over 25yrs experience hunting deer and large game in the UK, Europe and Africa. Peter is also a former Metropolitan Police Officer with extensive experience of firearms and firearms legislation.
The finer details
The excellent Online version of the hugely popular 'Proficient Deer Stalker Certificate' (PDS1), enables you to complete and obtain the theory element of the PDS1 online at a time and place that suits you.
Through a series of online modules and classes, you are guided through the theory element of the PDS1 syllabus and taught some of the practical elements involved in becoming a trained hunter, including safety, marksmanship and rifle handling.
Once you have completed the course and have passed the final examination, you will be awarded the PDS1 Certificate, verifying what you have learnt.
For many candidates, with existing practical knowledge of firearms, this will be sufficient. However, for those candidates who wish to compliment the PDS1 theory with the practical assessment, it couldn’t be easier. We provide a list of ‘Approved Verifiers’ in your area, that will be able to sign off on the practical element of the course.
What’s great about this, is that you can ‘tag’ your practical assessment on to a ‘live’ stalk outing. Effectively, this means, having completed the theory part of the course online, you are able to simultaneously complete the PDS1 Practical whilst also gaining the experience of a live stalk outing.
Delivery method
Theory/practicalRecognised by
Lantra AwardsCourse description:
Who should attend?
The PDS1 is perfect for the beginner or for anyone wishing to learn to hunt deer, and is an ideal way to make a start in the exciting world of Deer Stalking.
What will be covered?
Module 1: Why we shoot deer. The need for deer management in the UK
Why become a trained hunter? Understanding the need for hunters to be trained and the application of the course to the grant of a UK Firearms Certificate.
Understanding the unique nature of Firearms Certificates and top tips on how to apply and complete your own FAC application
Choosing the right calibre and weapon for you
Module 2: Firearms safety & rifle components
Firearms safety
Component parts of a rifle and additional safety tips
Module 3: Where to place your bullet & variants of shot placement
Heart and lung cavity shot
Quartering shots
The Neck shot
Head shot
Reaction of the Deer to the shot
Summary of Deer reactions
Module 4: Zeroing and point blank range
How to set up and Zero your Scope
Understanding the principles of bullet drop windage and point-blank range
Module 5: Marksmanship
Marksmanship tips & techniques
Shooting positions - standing/kneeling/prone/high-seat
Module 6: After the shot
How to behave after the shot
Following a blood trail
Determining death
Module 7: Carcass extraction, handling & inspection
Extraction
Gralloching
Inspection and food hygiene
Module 8: Deer identification
UK Species
Red Deer
Fallow Deer
Sika Deer
Roe Deer
Muntjac Deer
Chinese Water Deer
Module 9: UK Legislation
Legislation and complying with the deer act
Module 10: Buying your equipment and getting out deer stalking
Buy once buy right
How to behave during a guided stalk
Where to go from here?
Put what you learned into practice: how to book a stalk
Final Exam
Proficient Deer Stalker PDS1 Certificate
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