Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate (PDS1)

The PDS1 is a LANTRA and UKRS 'Accredited' Deer Management Qualification that is recognised by Natural England, NatureScot and the Forestry Commission. Available online, the course delivers 'Trained Hunter' status and may be used for 'Fit
& Competent' registration.
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Nationally recognised and Accredited

The Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate PDS1 is the ONLY Level 1 Course to provide ‘Trained Hunter’ status and complete end-to-end ‘Accreditation’ from LANTRA and UKRS - the UK’s largest, land-based awarding bodies. Nationally recognised the PDS1 Deer Stalking Certificate is recognised by Natural England, the Forestry Commission and in Scotland by NatureScot, where PDS1 & PDS2 Certificates can be used to apply for 'Fit & Competent' registration.

A few more words about the PDS1 Certificate

Providing complete end-to-end Accreditation by both LANTRA and UK Rural Skills (UKRS) and recognised by Natural England, the Forestry Commission and NatureScot. The 'Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate' (PDS1) also 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.

The PDS1 Deer Stalking Qualification is also perfect for deer stalkers in Scotland who wish to get ahead of the 2026 Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill, which will make deer management qualifications mandatory for those that stalk deer in Scotland.

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

Why More Candidates Are Choosing PDS1

The fastest, most supported route to getting qualified — without delays or uncertainty

START IMMEDIATELY

Enrol today and begin your course immediately

ONE-TO-ONE PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT

At a time & location convenient to you/No group pressure

FAST-TRACK OPTIONS AVAILABLE

No long waiting times for your practical assessment

NATIONWIDE NETWORK OF APPROVED VERIFIERS (AVs)

Access to over 150 AVs for Practical Assessment

ROBUST IDENTITY VERIFICATION AND EXAM INTEGRITY MEASURES
Best-in-class verification that ensures assessment integrity and credibility online
TRAINED HUNTER STATUS INCLUDED

FSA Approved Large Game Meat Hygiene Certificate included

END-TO-END LANTRA & UKRS ACCREDITATION

The only Deer Management Course FULLY Accredited by LANTRA in the UK

UK WIDE STALKING OPPORTUNITIES

Access to a UK-wide network of Professional Deer Stalkers for all your stalking needs

CLEAR, STRUCTURED PATHWAY

PDS1 allows you to progress seamlessly to other qualifications

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Continuously updated to reflect best practice and industry standards

LIFETIME ACCESS

Lifetime access for ongoing reference and learning

END-TO-END CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Dedicated support from enrolment to certification and beyond

Trained Hunter status includes:

Proficient Deer Stalker Certificate (PDS1)

Large Game Meat Food Hygiene Course

UK-Wide Approved Verifier Network

Meet the instructor

Peter S Jones

Peter S Jones is a nationally recognised authority on deer management and one of the most influential voices in the UK today. He is widely consulted by government bodies and industry organisations and is regarded as a leading public ambassador for UK deer management across both professional and recreational contexts.

With over two decades of experience, Peter operates at a strategic and representative level while maintaining direct, practical involvement in deer management. He is the Founder and CEO of the Shooting & Hunting Academy and author of the Proficient Deer Stalking Certificates (PDS1 & PDS2) and Deer Management Certificate Level 3 (DMC3), qualifications widely recognised as the UK’s leading vocational awards in deer management.

Peter is also Chairman of the prestigious Capreolus Club and leads County Deer Stalking Online Magazine and County Deer Stalking YouTube, central reference points for deer management practice and commentary in the UK, encompassing professional practice, publishing and media.

Additionally, Peter acts as a trusted expert witness in UK courts and has provided independent technical opinion in cases involving deer stalking, firearms use and professional standards. He is involved in Parliamentary focus groups advising MPs on conservation hunting and wild food production, and regularly contributes to consultations with DEFRA, the Food Standards Agency and NatureScot.
Peter’s authority is reinforced by a previous ten-year career as a Detective with the Metropolitan Police Service, where he received a Commendation for Bravery and Professionalism following his handling of an armed incident and retired with an Exemplary Service Certificate. Through his combined work in practice, training, policy and as an expert witness, Peter S Jones is widely regarded as the one of the UK’s most recognised and trusted voices in modern UK deer management.

PDS1 Course Supporters & PARTNERS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. What is the difference between the PDS1 and DSC1?

PDS1 is a more comprehensive Level 1 deer stalking qualification, covering a broader range of modules and topics while also providing a more flexible and supported route to completion. It includes the Large Game Meat Hygiene qualification, giving candidates Trained Hunter status, and it can be used as evidence when applying for NatureScot’s Fit and Competent register.

PDS1 is also recognised by Natural England, NatureScot and the Forestry Commission, and practical assessments are carried out through a nationwide network of Approved Verifiers, with one-to-one assessments arranged at a time and location convenient to the candidate. This gives learners a clearer, more personalised pathway from enrolment through to certification.

Q. I am completely new to deer stalking, is the PDS1 course for me?

A. Absolutely. PDS1 is designed to take complete beginners through a clear, structured pathway to becoming competent deer managers. It also represents an important first step towards obtaining a firearms licence for deer and, through the inclusion of the Large Game Meat Hygiene qualification, enables candidates to achieve Trained Hunter status.

At the same time, the course is equally suited to those with existing experience. Its flexible structure allows you to complete the training at your own pace, and based on consistently strong student feedback, even experienced stalkers find there is valuable knowledge to gain.

Q.Is there a time limit for completing the course?

Is there a time limit for completing the course?No, there is no time limit for completing the course. You can log in and out of the learning platform as often as you like and study at a pace that suits your schedule and commitments. However, we do recommend that learners work through the course at a reasonable pace and dedicate sufficient time to properly absorb the information. Completing the course consistently over a sensible period of time will help ensure you retain what you have learned and are well prepared for both the assessment and real-world application of the knowledge and skills covered.

Q. How do I find a local Approved Verifier for my PDS1 practical assessment?

A. Once you enrol on the PDS1 course and log in to your student dashboard, you will be given access to our interactive Approved Verifier map. This map allows you to view the locations and contact details of S&H Approved Verifiers across the UK. You can also filter by location, making it easier to find an Approved Verifier who is suitable and convenient for you. In most cases, students are able to find an Approved Verifier within approximately an hour’s drive, depending on their location. You can then contact your chosen Approved Verifier directly to arrange your PDS1 practical assessment.

Q. What is involved in the PDS1 practical assessment?

A. What is involved in the PDS1 practical assessment?The practical assessment is explained in detail during the course, so you will know what to expect before attending.In summary, the assessment includes a marksmanship element and a safety element. Candidates are required to place shots accurately into a 5-inch target at 100 yards from realistic deer stalking positions, using equipment that would reasonably be used during a typical stalking outing.You will also be assessed on safe rifle handling, including muzzle awareness, loading safely, checking the barrel is clear, using the safety catch correctly, and demonstrating an understanding of a safe backstop.n.

Q. How far will I need to travel for the practical assessment?

A. We currently have over 130 PDS1 Approved Verifiers located throughout the UK, so in most cases students are able to find an Approved Verifier within approximately an hour’s drive, depending on their location.

Q. How long do I need to wait for the practical assessment?

A. With the PDS1 deer stalking course, there are no fixed waiting times for the practical assessment. Once you are ready, your assessment can be arranged through our nationwide network of Approved Verifiers.


PDS1 practical assessments are conducted on a one-to-one basis and scheduled around your availability and location, allowing many candidates to complete their deer stalking qualification without the delays often associated with fixed group courses.

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. Also upon arrival you will be able to arrange practical assessment on the dates that work for you.

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 deer stalking qualification.

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. PDS1 vs DSC1: which deer stalking qualification is better in Scotland?

A. In Scotland, both qualifications are recognised; however, PDS1 offers a more flexible and supported route to demonstrating competence.
PDS1 includes the Large Game Meat Hygiene qualification, providing Trained Hunter status, and is suitable as evidence when applying for the Fit & Competent register.
We also have a network of Approved Verifiers across Scotland who can carry out one-to-one practical assessments at a time and location convenient to you, ensuring a more personalised and efficient process.

To support candidates in Scotland, we currently offer 20% off using code SCOT25.

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

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We proud to support a great community that supports our country

Defence Discount Service & Blue Light Card

We offer 20% discount for PDS1 Course for Defence Discount Card & Blue Light Card holders.
Please send us a photo of your membership card, and we’ll provide you with your own unique discount code for the PDS1 course.