Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate (PDS1)
Nationally recognised and Accredited
A few more words about the PDS1 Certificate
Accredited by both LANTRA and UK Rural Skills (UKRS) and recognised by the Forestry Commission and NatureScot, the excellent 'Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate' (PDS1) enables beginners to achieve 'Trained Hunter' status, at a time and place that suits, through the completion of an online theory course and practical assessment in the field.
Through a series of online modules, classes and exams delivered by a professional deer stalker and 'LANTRA Approved Training Provider', candidates are guided through the PDS1 syllabus.
The PDS1 Course serves to educate and inform candidates about both the theory and practical elements involved in becoming a trained hunter, such as safety, legislation, 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 Certificate (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. Read more about your instructor at the bottom of this page.
The PDS1 Certificate 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.
*NB: Additional rates apply for the Practical Assessment
The PDS1 Course serves to educate and inform candidates about both the theory and practical elements involved in becoming a trained hunter, such as safety, legislation, 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 Certificate (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. Read more about your instructor at the bottom of this page.
The PDS1 Certificate 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.
*NB: Additional rates apply for the Practical Assessment
Trained Hunter status includes:
We proud to support a great community that supports our country
Defence Discount Service
Meet the instructor
Peter S Jones
Peter S Jones BA (Hons) is a well known face in the industry, life-long environmentalist and highly experienced professional deer
manager, who has dedicated himself to the betterment of deer and large game through their careful
management and selection.
Peter has been stalking & hunting deer and other large game throughout the UK, Europe and Africa for the last 25 years. He holds PDS1 & PDS2 and DSC1 & DSC2. He is an 'Approved Witness' for the 'British Deer Society' in Deer Management Qualifications (DMQ), 'Approved Verifier' for the PDS1 & PDS2, Chairman & Founder of the exclusive Capreolus Club and Chief Instructor for the 'Shooting & Hunting Academy' - an Approved LANTRA & UKRS training provider.
In addition to many years spent providing expert tuition and guidance to hunting clients, Peter has also been responsible for delivering training and weapon familiarisation programs to Zoos, Enclosures and Wildlife Parks. Prior to this, Peter also served for 10 years as a Metropolitan Police Detective in the MPS Crime Squads & CID.
During his career, Peter was awarded a ‘Commendation for Bravery & Professionalism’, for his handling of an armed incident, before retiring from the force with an ‘Exemplary Service Certificate’. Peter's training and service in the Police and his in-depth knowledge of firearms legislation and the law surrounding firearm ownership, gives him a unique skill set that is of huge benefit to academy candidates and those taking their PDS1 deer stalking certificate.
Peter has been stalking & hunting deer and other large game throughout the UK, Europe and Africa for the last 25 years. He holds PDS1 & PDS2 and DSC1 & DSC2. He is an 'Approved Witness' for the 'British Deer Society' in Deer Management Qualifications (DMQ), 'Approved Verifier' for the PDS1 & PDS2, Chairman & Founder of the exclusive Capreolus Club and Chief Instructor for the 'Shooting & Hunting Academy' - an Approved LANTRA & UKRS training provider.
In addition to many years spent providing expert tuition and guidance to hunting clients, Peter has also been responsible for delivering training and weapon familiarisation programs to Zoos, Enclosures and Wildlife Parks. Prior to this, Peter also served for 10 years as a Metropolitan Police Detective in the MPS Crime Squads & CID.
During his career, Peter was awarded a ‘Commendation for Bravery & Professionalism’, for his handling of an armed incident, before retiring from the force with an ‘Exemplary Service Certificate’. Peter's training and service in the Police and his in-depth knowledge of firearms legislation and the law surrounding firearm ownership, gives him a unique skill set that is of huge benefit to academy candidates and those taking their PDS1 deer stalking certificate.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. I am completely new to deer stalking, is the PDS1 course for me?
A. Absolutely, the course is perfect for you and has been designed to help complete beginners become proficient deer managers. The PDS1 also represents a crucial first step in obtaining a firearms license to shoot deer and through the inclusion of a Large Game Meat Hygiene Certificate, enables the candidate to achieve 'Trained Hunter' status.
Q. What is the difference between the PDS1 and DSC1?
A. Both courses have a similar syllabus, however, only the PDS1 is accredited by LANTRA, which is the UK's largest land-based awarding body. The PDS1 is also recognised by the Forestry Commission, Forestry England, and in Scotland by NatureScot, where PDS1 & PDS2 certificates can be used to apply for 'fit and competent' registration. Additionally, the PDS1 includes a 'Large Game Meat Hygiene Certificate' which provides Trained Hunter' status, the DSC1 does not provide this level of training.
Q. I have an existing Firearms Certificate (FAC) but want to get a variation to be able to shoot deer, will the PDS1 help with this?
A. For those who already know how to shoot, but wish to seek a variation to their firearms licence to hunt deer, the PDS1 Certificate represents the perfect way to make the transition. The course imparts best practice guidance in the safe, effective and humane dispatch of deer and helps demonstrate a level of competence to the police.
Q. I am visiting the UK from abroad and wish to understand what is expected of me before I arrive, does the PDS1 help with this?
A. Yes, its perfect for those who are visiting the UK to hunt, you can complete the course online prior to arriving in the UK, that way you’ll understand the etiquette, how to behave and the law prior to arriving.
Q. Is the PDS1 a recognised qualification?
A. Accredited by the UK's leading awarding bodies in land-based industries - LANTRA and UKRS, and accepted by Forestry Commission, Forestry England and in Scotland by NatureScot, the PDS1 is a nationally recognised course.
Q. Having completed the PDS1 course, will I need to get my own FAC and rifle before I can go stalking?
A. No. UK law provides a legal provision called the ‘Estate Rifle’ which means that you are permitted to use your stalkers rifle when hunting in his presence.
PDS1 STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
STORIES. NEWS. UPDATES.