Oct 14 • S&H Team

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.

For many years, there was only one recognised pathway into deer management in the UK. While the other courses remain a good way to start your learning journey, the arrival of the PDS1 has given aspiring stalkers a new, more flexible alternative. Both courses share the same ultimate goal — to produce safe, knowledgeable, and ethical deer stalkers — but the way they are delivered is where the PDS1 stands apart.

Chris has been among the latest verifiers to trial and deliver the course in the field, working closely with participants to assess how it performs in practice. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly from people whose work or family commitments make it difficult to take several days away from home...

The student featured in this case study first met Chris at The Game Fair a few years ago and had long been interested in country pursuits. With a background in pest control and a growing passion for sustainable wild food, deer stalking was the natural next step. However, finding the time to attend a multi-day course proved challenging — until he discovered the PDS1.

Delivered primarily online, the PDS1 allows learners to study at their own pace, from anywhere. The platform is intuitive and clearly structured, with modules covering Deer Biology, Firearms and Safety, and Large Game Meat Hygiene and more. Each section combines short, focused video lessons with interactive assessments to ensure learners are confident before moving on.

For this student, the flexibility was transformative. Study sessions could happen at home, between family commitments, without the pressure of fixed timetables. In total, the theory element took around 15 to 20 hours to complete — including revision — demonstrating how manageable the qualification is even for those with busy lives.

Once the online modules were completed, the student joined Chris in Scotland to complete the practical components: range safety and live stalking assessment. These in-person sessions bring the theory to life, allowing students to apply what they’ve learned under professional supervision.

That morning, during his assessment, the student successfully harvested his first deer — a defining moment for any new stalker. It was the culmination of weeks of learning, preparation, and respect for the quarry.

The PDS1 has already proven its value by breaking down many of the barriers that once made deer stalking seem inaccessible. The online learning format means students no longer need to take time off work or travel long distances, and the national network of Approved Verifiers ensures there is always someone nearby to support the practical element.

For professionals, parents, and anyone balancing busy schedules, this accessibility is key. It enables more people to gain a recognised qualification, learn about deer management, and enter the field safely and ethically.

Having completed his PDS1, the student is already planning to progress to the next stage — the PDS2 — to continue building his knowledge and experience. For Chris and the S&H Academy team, that progression is exactly what the course was designed to inspire.

By offering an alternative to traditional, time-intensive qualifications, the PDS1 ensures that the world of deer management remains open and inclusive. Whether learners come from a countryside background or are completely new to stalking, the course provides the same solid foundation of understanding, safety, and respect for wildlife.