Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate (PDS1)

LANTRA and UKRS accredited course delivered by a trusted provider of deer stalker training. The PDS1 is nationally recognised Deer Management Certificate (DMC), that is available online and delivers 'Trained Hunter' status.
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Nationally recognised and Accredited course

The Proficient Deer Stalker Certificate Level 1 is a nationally recognised Deer Management Certificate (DMC), that has been accredited by the UK’s largest, land-based awarding bodies; LANTRA and UK Rural Skills (UKRS).

A few more words about the PDS1 Certificate

Accredited by both LANTRA and UK Rural Skills (UKRS), the excellent 'Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate' (PDS1) is a deer management certificate that enables beginners to achieve 'Trained Hunter' status, at a time and place that suits, through the  completion of an online course.

PDS1 Course Supporters

Trained Hunter status includes:

Proficient Deer Stalker Certificate (PDS1)

Large Game Meat Food Hygiene Course

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.

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 stalkers. It is also a crucial first step in obtaining a Firearms license to shoot deer.

Q. What is the difference between DSC1 and PDS1?

A. Both qualifications are excellent and broadly equivalent. However, the PDS1 is accredited by both LANTRA and UK Rural Skills (UKRS), the UK's leading awarding bodies in land-based industries. The PDS1 also includes a 'Large Game Meat Hygiene Certificate whilst the DSC1 does not.
Unlike the DSC1, which is delivered in a classroom setting and delivered on specific dates, the PDS1 can be achieved through online training and one-to-one instruction at a time and place that suits you.

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 be able to hunt deer, the PDS1 Certificate is the perfect way to make the transition. It imparts safety and best practice guidelines, and by completing a course of study delivered by a reputable, established provider, helps demonstrate to the Police that you have taken the matter seriously.

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 an established and recognised qualification?

A. Accredited by both the UK's leading awarding bodies in land-based industries - LANTRA and UKRS, the PDS1 is a nationally recognised course that has been running for over a decade and has been awarded to hundreds of candidates. It is also recognised by the National Rifle Association (NRA), the Police and countless Landowners.

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.
"It is great course and I have to say I think that it is the future when it comes to people needing that base knowledge and certification."

Craig HARTley, Barbury Shooting School

"I found the PDS1 course extremely beneficial and informative. The overall instructional technique was brilliant with all subjects explained clearly"
G. Deakin
"The overall delivery was superb and the ability to be able to tag on the practical element of the course to a live stalk was just what I was looking for. "
N. Yahya
"I have completed the PDS1 online learning and test and I must say it’s great! Very detailed and informative. Just the meat hygiene to do next."
Harry Criss, barbury shooting school
"I just like to take the time to say Thank you to the country deer stalking team 
It was an absolute pleasure to complete the PDS1 and game meat and Hygiene through yourselves."

Mark Stanworth 

"I managed to complete the PDS1 course, it was very well put together and presented, excellent job!"

Mo