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Welcome to the Academy
The Shooting & Hunting Academy is a UK Registered Learning Provider and LANTRA and UK Rural Skills Approved Training Provider. The academy hosts key accredited courses for those involved in shooting, hunting, the management of wildlife and safe and effective dispatch of vermin. The academy also delivers specialist Masterclasses, delivered by leading shooting and environmental experts.
Through the academy, shooters, hunters and those involved in the use of firearms and management of wildlife and vermin, can gain an in depth and unique level of accredited training that delivers advanced information on industry best practice and the law, along with training in the key skills necessary to implement safe, effective and humane control measures.
COURSES
Proficient Deer Stalking Course Level 1 - PDS1
Proficient Deer Stalking Course Level 2 - PDS2
Night Shooting
Course - NSC
SHOTGUN LOADERS COURSE
Airgun Proficiency Course - APC
Deer Management Certificate
Level 3 - DMC3
MASTERCLASSES
What our students say....
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. What is the Shooting & Hunting Academy?
A. The Shooting & Hunting Academy is a UK Registered Learning Provider and LANTRA and UK Rural Skills Training Provider, specialising in training for those involved in shooting, hunting, deer stalking, firearms use, wildlife management and the safe and effective dispatch of pests and vermin.
We deliver a wide range of online courses, practical assessments and specialist masterclasses, developed with respected industry professionals, instructors and subject matter experts.
We deliver a wide range of online courses, practical assessments and specialist masterclasses, developed with respected industry professionals, instructors and subject matter experts.
Q. Which Courses is S&H Academy best known for?
A. The S&H Academy is best known for its deer stalking and wildlife management qualifications, including the Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1, PDS1, the Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate Level 2, PDS2, and the Deer Management Certificate Level 3, DMC3.
We also deliver training in areas such as airgun proficiency, night shooting, firearms safety, shotgun competence, deer management, large game meat hygiene, gralloching, pest control and other specialist field sports subjects.
We also deliver training in areas such as airgun proficiency, night shooting, firearms safety, shotgun competence, deer management, large game meat hygiene, gralloching, pest control and other specialist field sports subjects.
Q. Why should I choose the Shooting & Hunting Academy?
A. S&H Academy is more than a raining platform. We are a large and growing community of students, instructors, Approved Verifiers and industry professionals across the UK.
Our courses are designed by people who understand the realities of the field and the standards expected by landowners, employers, authorities and professional organisations. We combine flexible online learning with practical experiences in the field and strong student support.
Our courses are designed by people who understand the realities of the field and the standards expected by landowners, employers, authorities and professional organisations. We combine flexible online learning with practical experiences in the field and strong student support.
Q. What is the best course for someone new to deer stalking?
A. For anyone new to deer stalking, the best starting point is usually the Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1, PDS1.
PDS1 provides a structured introduction to deer stalking, covering key areas such as safety, legislation, deer biology, deer identification, shot placement, equipment, ethics, large game meat hygiene and practical field standards. It is designed to help new deer stalkers start their journey properly and responsibly.
PDS1 provides a structured introduction to deer stalking, covering key areas such as safety, legislation, deer biology, deer identification, shot placement, equipment, ethics, large game meat hygiene and practical field standards. It is designed to help new deer stalkers start their journey properly and responsibly.
Q. Are your courses suitable for beginners?
A. Yes. Some of our courses are designed specifically for beginners, such as PDS1 and APC and many others, who want to build strong foundations before going into the field, while others are aimed at experienced stalkers, shooters, pest controllers and wildlife professionals who want to progress to a higher level.
Each course page explains who the course is suitable for, what experience is recommended and whether there are any entry requirements.
Q. What is PDS2 and who is it for?
A. The Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate Level 2, PDS2, is designed for candidates who already hold PDS1 or DSC1 and want to progress to a more advanced level.
PDS2 combines online learning with practical field assessment through a PDS Approved Verifier. It is aimed at those who want to demonstrate higher levels of practical competence, confidence and knowledge in deer stalking and deer management.
PDS2 combines online learning with practical field assessment through a PDS Approved Verifier. It is aimed at those who want to demonstrate higher levels of practical competence, confidence and knowledge in deer stalking and deer management.
Q. What is DMC3?
A. The Deer Management Certificate Level 3, DMC3, is one of the highest-level deer management qualifications available in the UK and is designed for those operating at an advanced or professional level.
S&H Academy is home to DMC3, supporting candidates who want to demonstrate advanced knowledge in deer management, deer impact, management planning, practical competence and professional standards.
S&H Academy is home to DMC3, supporting candidates who want to demonstrate advanced knowledge in deer management, deer impact, management planning, practical competence and professional standards.
Q. How does online learning work with S&H Academy?
A. Once you enrol on a course, you can access your learning online through your student account. Courses are divided into clear modules and lessons, allowing you to study at your own pace and revisit the material whenever needed.
Online learning gives students the flexibility to fit training around work, family, stalking opportunities and other commitments, while still receiving structured, professional course content.
Online learning gives students the flexibility to fit training around work, family, stalking opportunities and other commitments, while still receiving structured, professional course content.
Q. Do your courses include practical assessments?
A. Some S&H Academy courses are online theory courses only, while others include a practical assessment element. For example, PDS1, PDS2, the Airgun Proficiency Course and some other qualifications require practical assessment or verification before the final certificate can be awarded.
Where a practical assessment is required, this will be clearly explained on the individual course page.
Q. How do I find an Approved Verifier?
A. For courses that require practical assessment, students are given access to our Approved Verifier network through their student dashboard.
S&H Academy has one of the UK’s largest networks of Approved Verifiers, allowing students to search by location and contact a suitable verifier directly to arrange their practical assessment where required.
Q. What support do students receive?
A. We understand that students may have questions before, during or after their course. Our team is here to help with enrolment questions, course access, practical assessment guidance, Approved Verifier information, certificate queries and general support.
We aim to make the learning process as clear and flexible as possible, so students feel supported from the moment they enrol through to completion.
We aim to make the learning process as clear and flexible as possible, so students feel supported from the moment they enrol through to completion.
Q. How long do I have access to my course?
A. For most S&H Academy courses, students receive long-term access to the course materials after enrolment. This allows you to revisit lessons, refresh your knowledge and benefit from updates where applicable.
We believe learning should not stop once a course is completed, especially in sectors where legislation, best practice and professional expectations continue to develop.
We believe learning should not stop once a course is completed, especially in sectors where legislation, best practice and professional expectations continue to develop.
Q. Do you offer training for estates, businesses and organisations?
A. Yes. S&H Academy works with individuals, estates, clubs, businesses and professional organisations that need reliable, structured training for their staff, members or contractors.
Our courses can support training in deer stalking, firearms safety, wildlife management, pest control, night shooting, airgun use, game handling and other specialist areas.
Our courses can support training in deer stalking, firearms safety, wildlife management, pest control, night shooting, airgun use, game handling and other specialist areas.
Q. Will I receive a certificate?
A. Yes. On successful completion of a course, students receive the relevant certificate for that course. Some certificates are issued digitally, while others may require completion of both theory and practical elements before certification can be awarded.
The exact certificate type and completion requirements are explained on each individual course page.
The exact certificate type and completion requirements are explained on each individual course page.
Giving back is an integral part of who we are...
Country Food Trust is a fabulous charity whose goal is to raise funds in order to provide high-protein nutritious meals to those in food poverty.
Over the last few years Shooting & Hunting Academy helped to provide over 3000 meals to those in need . You can help!
