Advanced Deer Management Course | ADM
Official PDS1 Course trailer
A few more words about the Advanced Deer Management Course (ADM)
Having been successfully delivered for over a decade, the nationally recognised and LANTRA accredited Advanced Deer Management Course continues to set the standard for professional deer management training. This highly regarded course is designed for those who want to advance their knowledge and understanding of deer control and management at a professional level, looking not only from the deer stalker’s perspective but also through the lens of estate management.
For the first time ever, the course is now available fully online, making it more accessible than ever before while retaining the same depth, quality and practical understanding that have made it so respected. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the complex relationships between biodiversity, land use, forestry, and deer populations, and learn how these can be managed in balance, without harm to habitats or wildlife.
The course is ideally suited to those with some experience in deer management who are ready to enhance their professional portfolio, as well as those seeking a career in professional deer and wildlife management. It is equally valuable for land agents, estate managers, and owners wishing to reduce agricultural and forestry crop damage, take advantage of Forestry Commission Woodland Grant Schemes (WS1), or increase estate income while safeguarding natural resources.
Combining critical classroom theory with practical, field-informed knowledge, the curriculum covers a wide range of topics essential to modern deer management. These include the role of deer within wider wildlife programmes and trophic cascades, land designations and their implications, damage identification and impact assessment, habitat management and manipulation for control, and deer management planning from concept to delivery, including WS1 applications. Students will also explore population and meta-population dynamics, census techniques, cull and observation record-keeping, large-scale and intensive culling operations, on-the-hoof ageing, cull selection, genetic improvement, reproductive assessment, and deer health surveillance across wild, park, and farmed populations.
This is an opportunity to gain the skills, strategies, and confidence to manage deer populations responsibly, sustainably, and professionally – now with the added flexibility of completing the entire programme online, wherever you are.
Course Contents
Meet the instructor
Mike Allison
Mike Allison is the Managing Director of Jelen Premier Wildlife Services (Jelen PWS) and is recognised as one of the UK's foremost deer management specialists, with nearly 5 decades of professional experience in the deer industry. His expertise spans both wild, park, and farmed deer sectors, giving him a well-rounded perspective on deer management.
In addition to his extensive experience in delivering conservation-led deer management solutions across the UK and Europe, Mike is also a prominent trainer in this field. He has been instrumental in guiding many young and inexperienced stalkers into significant roles within the industry. As the leading provider of live animal capture services and training in the UK, he developed Europe’s first and only LANTRA Approved course in Live Capture, Immobilisation, and Live Animal Care, setting a benchmark for practicing vets and wildlife managers in this specialised area.
Mike's commitment to training reflects his passion for educating future professionals. Over the past 47 years, he has focused on instilling confidence, knowledge, and practical field-based skills in his trainees. He has significantly contributed to the development and delivery of a comprehensive range of deer-related training courses in the UK.
Mike is also proud to be associated with the Shooting & Hunting Academy, which he believes provides an excellent platform for his unique training methods to reach a wider audience. Mike advocates for collaboration among professionals to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of deer stalkers and wildlife managers.
Other instructors on this course:
ADM STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
Frequently asked questions
Advanced Deer Management Course - who is it for?
The Advanced Deer Management Course is aimed at those with some experience in deer management who want to expand their professional skills. It’s equally suitable for aspiring wildlife managers, land agents, estate managers, and owners seeking to improve deer control, protect crops, and enhance estate income.
Do I need previous experience in deer management to enrol onto the ADM Course?
No. whilst previous experience is recommended to help you get the most from the Advanced Deer Management course, it is open to anyone with an interest or vested involvement in deer management. Whether you are a newcomer keen to learn, a landowner, or already working in conservation, forestry, or estate management, you’ll find the content accessible and highly relevant.
Can I take this course at my own pace?
Yes, the Advanced Deer Management Course is fully online and designed for self-paced learning, allowing you to progress through the modules whenever it suits your schedule. This makes it ideal for those balancing work, field time, or other commitments.
How does the fully online format work for a practical subject like deer management?
While the Advanced Deer Management Course was once delivered in a classroom with field exercises, the online version goes beyond what you’d experience in person. We’ve recreated the classroom-style learning, still led by expert instructors, but added exclusive filmed content from a range of industry specialists you wouldn’t necessarily meet on the traditional course. This gives you a front-row seat to a broader variety of perspectives and practical demonstrations, offering extra depth and value to your learning.