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About

Accredited by both LANTRA and UK Rural Skills (UKRS), the excellent 'Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate' (PDS1) is a deer management certificate that enables beginners to achieve 'Trained Hunter' status, at a time and place that suits, through the completion of an online course.

The finer details

Through a series of online modules, classes and exams delivered by a professional deer stalker, 'LANTRA Approved Training Provider' and 'Approved Verifier’, candidates are guided through the PDS1 syllabus.

The PDS1 Course serves to educate and inform candidates about the practical elements involved in becoming a trained hunter, such as safety, marksmanship and rifle handling. Offered with the course is a 'Large Game Meat Hygiene Certificate' that complies with FSA Guidelines for placing large game meat on the market for human consumption.

Having completed the theory element of the deer management certificate online, candidates are awarded a PDS1 Certificate verifying what they have learnt.

To compliment the PDS1 theory with the practical assessment, it couldn’t be easier. We provide a list of Approved Verifiers (AV's) in your area who will be able to sign off on the practical elements of the course.

The Proficient Deer Stalker Course (PDS1) is an established, widely recognised and nationally available deer stalking course that not only empowers candidates but is widely recognised as a crucial first step in obtaining a Firearm Certificate, or variation to an existing certificate to hunt and shoot deer.

Your instructor throughout the course is Peter S Jones, a well-recognised and highly experienced full-time, professional hunter. 

Delivery method

Theory/practical

Recognised by

Lantra Awards, UKRS, Nature Scot, Till Hill Forestry, Harper Adams University, NRA, High Weald, Defra, Forestry Commission

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: Understanding the need to manage deer

Module 2: Firearms safety & rifle components

Module 3: Where to place your bullet & variants of shot placement

Module 4: Zeroing and point blank range

Module 5: Marksmanship

Module 6: After the shot

Module 7: Carcass extraction, handling & inspection

Module 8: Deer identification

Module 9: UK Legislation

Module 10: Deer Stalking in Scotland

Module 11: Buying your equipment and getting out deer stalking

Where to go from here?

Final Exam

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