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:
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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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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. 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. PDS1 vs DSC1: which deer stalking qualification is better in Scotland?
A. In Scotland, both PDS1 (Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1) and DSC1 (Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1) are recognised by NatureScot and accepted as evidence of deer management competence.
However, for those preparing for potential changes under the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill, PDS1 is the more robust and future-proof option. PDS1 is delivered as a LANTRA-accredited customised award, subject to external quality assurance, with LANTRA regulated by Ofqual, a non-ministerial UK government department. PDS1 also provides trained hunter status through an FSA approved Large Game Meat Hygiene course, which DSC1 does not.
For deer stalking and deer management in Scotland, PDS1 offers stronger governance, independent oversight, and greater regulatory credibility.
However, for those preparing for potential changes under the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill, PDS1 is the more robust and future-proof option. PDS1 is delivered as a LANTRA-accredited customised award, subject to external quality assurance, with LANTRA regulated by Ofqual, a non-ministerial UK government department. PDS1 also provides trained hunter status through an FSA approved Large Game Meat Hygiene course, which DSC1 does not.
For deer stalking and deer management in Scotland, PDS1 offers stronger governance, independent oversight, and greater regulatory credibility.
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. 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. 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.
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