Jun 4
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.
This partnership marks an important step in the continued growth of the Academy's assessment network, providing learners with an additional location where they can complete practical assessments for qualifications such as PDS1 and the
Airgun Proficiency Course (APC), while maintaining the same standards, assessment criteria, and quality assurance processes applied throughout the United Kingdom.
For those looking to gain recognised shooting and deer management qualifications, the partnership provides greater flexibility and another assessment option within an already established national network of Approved Verifiers and assessment providers.
The Proficient Deer Stalker Level 1 - PDS1 is a nationally recognised deer stalking qualification designed to provide learners with the knowledge, understanding, and practical competence required to stalk deer safely, ethically, and professionally.
The qualification is LANTRA accredited and delivered by the Shooting & Hunting Academy, a UK Registered Learning Provider (UKPRN 10094027) and Approved LANTRA and UK Rural Skills Training Provider.
PDS1 combines flexible online learning with a practical shooting assessment, allowing learners to study at their own pace before demonstrating their competence in a real-world assessment environment.
The qualification is suitable for:
- Individuals looking to get started in deer stalking
- Recreational stalkers seeking a recognised qualification
- Estate staff and gamekeepers
- Professional deer managers
- Firearms certificate applicants wishing to demonstrate knowledge and competence
- Those seeking to progress towards higher-level qualifications such as
PDS2 and
DMC3 Importantly, PDS1 is the only Level 1 deer stalking qualification in the United Kingdom that includes the Large Game Meat Hygiene module and provides 'Trained Hunter Status' upon successful completion.
Eaton Hall Shooting Ground has established itself as one of the UK's leading shooting destinations, offering a wide range of shooting disciplines, modern facilities, professional tuition, and a strong commitment to training and education.
The venue provides facilities for clay shooting, rifle shooting, airgun shooting, coaching, competitions, and training, making it a popular destination for shooters from across the country.
Its commitment to education, skill development, and responsible shooting made Eaton Hall a natural addition to the Shooting & Hunting Academy's growing national assessment network.
While Eaton Hall has become the first Approved Assessment Centre within the Shooting & Hunting Academy network for PDS1, the partnership also creates opportunities for learners undertaking other Academy qualifications.
In addition to PDS1 assessments, Eaton Hall will also support practical assessments for the Airgun Proficiency Course (APC), providing another accessible location for shooters looking to gain recognised evidence of safe and competent airgun use.
The APC has become increasingly popular among recreational shooters, landowners, pest controllers, and those seeking to demonstrate their competence and commitment to safe shooting practices.
As with all Shooting & Hunting Academy qualifications, APC assessments delivered through Eaton Hall will follow the same standards and assessment criteria used throughout the Academy's nationwide assessment network.
As part of the partnership, Eaton Hall members can access a range of exclusive benefits when enrolling onto PDS1 through Eaton Hall.
These benefits include:
- A free PDS1 practical assessment for qualifying members
- A £100 Eaton Hall shop voucher for eligible enrolments
- Access to recognised deer stalking training pathways
- Opportunities to progress into further qualifications and training
- Support from both Eaton Hall and the Shooting & Hunting Academy teams
One of the key strengths of the Shooting & Hunting Academy is its nationwide assessment network.
With more than 170 Approved Verifiers located across the United Kingdom, learners can already complete practical assessments close to home, reducing travel and improving accessibility.
The addition of Eaton Hall strengthens this network further by introducing the first Approved Assessment Centre within the Academy's network, working alongside existing Approved Verifiers to support learners while maintaining the same professional standards and assessment requirements.
This partnership is designed to complement and strengthen the existing network, providing learners with additional choice while continuing to support the dedicated Approved Verifiers who play a vital role in delivering assessments throughout the country.
The Shooting & Hunting Academy was founded with a clear mission: to make high-quality, recognised shooting and deer management qualifications more accessible while continuing to raise standards across the industry. The partnership with Eaton Hall represents another positive step towards that goal.
By combining the Academy's modern approach to training and assessment with Eaton Hall's commitment to education and shooter development, both organisations hope to support more people entering deer stalking, developing their skills, and pursuing recognised qualifications.
As the national assessment network continues to grow, learners can expect even greater accessibility, flexibility, and support while benefiting from the same professional standards that underpin every Shooting & Hunting Academy qualification.
