A place where professionals share their experience & beginners share their journeys

Latest from our blog

Eaton Hall Joins the Shooting & Hunting Academy National Assessment Network

Eaton Hall Becomes the First Approved Assessment Centre for PDS1 The Shooting & Hunting Academy is delighted to announce a new partnership with Eaton Hall Shooting Ground, which has officially joined the Academy's nationwide assessment network as the first Approved Assessment Centre for the Proficient Deer Stalker Level 1 (PDS1) qualification.

DMC3

NEWS

| May 1, 2026

DMC3 Interview: Why Experienced Stalkers Are Taking the UK’s Advanced Deer Management Qualification

At the Shooting & Hunting Academy , the Deer Management Certificate Level 3 (DMC3) continues to gain significant momentum across the UK deer sector. With hundreds of learners now enrolled, DMC3 is increasingly being recognised as one of the most progressive and practical qualifications available for those looking to demonstrate advanced knowledge, field competence, and strategic understanding of modern deer management.

NEWS

PDS1

PDS2

NIGHT SHOOTING COURSE

| Feb 26, 2026

CL55 Night Shooting Licence: What Deer Managers Need to Know

Why Night Shooting Reform Was Needed - Natural England’s new CL55 Class Licence has completely changed the legal landscape for night-time deer management in England. The licence was introduced after extensive work between the Shooting & Hunting Academy, APHA, and Natural England, ensuring that it is both practical for the field and robust in terms of safety and welfare standards.

DMC3

NEWS

| Feb 23, 2026

Caroline van der Vorm Becomes the First Person and First Woman to Complete the DMC3 Qualification

We are incredibly proud to announce that Karolien van der Vorm has become the first person — and the first woman — to complete the Deer Management Certificate Level 3 (DMC3), the highest level deer management qualification currently available in the UK.

DMC3

EVENTS

| Feb 16, 2026

British Shooting Show 2026: Growing Demand for Accredited Deer Management Qualifications

The British Shooting Show was, without question, one of the most dynamic and energising events the countryside sector has seen in recent years. From the moment the doors opened, the atmosphere was electric. The aisles were busy, the conversations were meaningful, and there was a genuine sense that the industry is evolving and moving forward. Whether you attended as an exhibitor, a professional within the sector, or an enthusiastic visitor, there was a shared feeling of momentum, pride, and progress.

PDS1

| Jan 4, 2026

Why are Scottish Deer Stalkers choosing the PDS1

Laura M — pictured completing her PDS1 shooting assessment with Approved Verifier Davie Urquhart in Scotland. Her achievement represents more than a personal milestone. It reflects a growing shift in how deer stalking training is being delivered and accessed across Scotland — particularly at a time when expectations around competence and training are becoming increasingly important.

DMC3

| Dec 8, 2025

Where does the DMC3 Qualification sit in UK Deer Management?

There’s been a lot of conversation recently about where the new Deer Management Certificate Level 3 (DMC3) sits within the UK’s training landscape. The short answer? Right at the very top. But because there are a few common misconceptions, it’s worth breaking down exactly why the DMC3 stands apart from everything that has come before.

PDS1

STORIES

| Oct 14, 2025

From Curiosity to Qualification: A Conversation on the PDS1 with Chris Dalton and a New Student

When it comes to learning the art of deer stalking, few experiences are as rewarding as watching new stalkers grow in skill and confidence. Recently, Chris Dalton, one of the S&H Academy’s Approved Verifiers and one of the UK’s most respected professional deer managers, welcomed a PDS1 candidate back to the range — a student whose journey perfectly illustrates how accessible and effective the Proficient Deer Stalker Certificate Level 1 (PDS1) has become.

NEWS

| Jun 24, 2025

Introducing the Most Advanced Deer Gralloching & Inspection Course Ever Created

We’re proud to announce something truly groundbreaking for those serious about deer management: our brand-new Deer Gralloching and Inspection Course—a one-of-a-kind training experience designed to set a new standard in the field. Whether you're preparing for your PDS2 or DSC2 qualification, or simply want to sharpen your practical skills, this course delivers the confidence, competence, and in-depth knowledge you need to handle every part of the process professionally and ethically.

Would you like to share your experience or story? We would love to hear from you...

Featured links

Connect with us

Get in touch

General information:
info@shootingandhuntingacademy.co.uk
0203 981 0159
Contact technical support

A place where professionals share their experience & beginners share their journeys

Latest from our blog

Eaton Hall Joins the Shooting & Hunting Academy National Assessment Network

DMC3 Interview: Why Experienced Stalkers Are Taking the UK’s Advanced Deer Management Qualification

CL55 Night Shooting Licence: What Deer Managers Need to Know

Caroline van der Vorm Becomes the First Person and First Woman to Complete the DMC3 Qualification

British Shooting Show 2026: Growing Demand for Accredited Deer Management Qualifications

Why are Scottish Deer Stalkers choosing the PDS1

Where does the DMC3 Qualification sit in UK Deer Management?

From Curiosity to Qualification: A Conversation on the PDS1 with Chris Dalton and a New Student

Introducing the Most Advanced Deer Gralloching & Inspection Course Ever Created

Would you like to share your experience or story? We would love to hear from you...

Who we are

Featured links

Affiliate info

Policies

Connect with us

Get in touch