Deer Management Certificate Level 3
DMC 3







KNOWLEDGE.

SKILL.

STRATEGY.

The Deer Management Certificate Level 3 (DMC3) is a higher level vocational qualification that represents the UK’s highest level of achievement in deer management. 


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This advanced vocational qualification blends knowledge, skill & strategy and sets the benchmark for excellence, and credibility across the UK deer management sector.

Drawing upon a network of respected training and long-established learning pathways, the DMC3 blends academic achievement, applied field skills, and strategic management into one single, cohesive qualification.

Deer Management Certificate Level 3 - DMC 3

The Level 3 Deer Management Certificate (DMC3) is an advanced vocational qualification in UK deer management that sits at the highest level of deer management, above that of a Level 2 award, 'Deer Management Course' and 'Advanced Deer Management Course'. The DMC3 is designed for experienced stalkers and deer managers who wish to progress to the highest professional standard. Building on the foundations of the PDS2 or DSC2, it sharpens technical skills, broadens knowledge, and prepares candidates for significant responsibilities in the deer management sector. The award is designed not only to recognise outstanding individuals but also to give landowners, employers, and conservation organisations a reliable way to identify those whose training and experience go above and beyond a Level 2 award.
The DMC3 qualification is achieved through a flexible, credit-based framework totalling 40 credits across four units, combining structured coursework, verified field experience, and a final Deer Management Plan. Unit 1 awards a minimum of 15 credits through a selection of accredited modules delivered by recognised UK training providers, enabling candidates to tailor learning to their vocational goals. Relevant prior qualifications may also attract credit. Units 2 and 3 assess practical competence through documented culls of both invasive and non-invasive deer species, ensuring a breadth of field experience. Unit 4 serves as the capstone, requiring candidates to produce a comprehensive, evidence-based Deer Management Plan that demonstrates understanding of strategic, sustainable management principles. The DMC3 modular structure, develops a verified portfolio of knowledge, skills, and field evidence aligned with professional standards in UK deer management.
UNIT 1
Knowledge
Prior learning and continuous professional development
(15 credits)
UNIT 2
Practical experience.
Culling Invasive deer species.
(10 credits)

UNIT 3
Practical experience.
Culling Non-Invasive deer species. (10 credits)

UNIT 4
Completion of a Deer Management Plan
(5 Credits)

Why is a Level 3 deer management qualification important?

The future of professional deer management places increasing importance on demonstrating competence beyond Level 2, including the depth and breadth of practical experience across different deer species and management contexts. DMC3 has been developed to address this progression through a structured qualification combining advanced learning, verified field experience and strategic management.
     
Administered and assessed by the Shooting & Hunting Academy (S&H Academy), a registered UK learning provider, the DMC3 is underpinned by rigorous quality assurance. A senior panel of industry-approved verifiers reviews every element of your submission using expert scrutiny and advanced verification technology. This process safeguards the integrity of the qualification and ensures that your achievement is recognised as a genuine mark of excellence.
Developed in collaboration with leading experts from across the deer and land management sector, the DMC3 has been designed to provide candidates with the practical skills and strategic understanding required for advanced roles in UK deer management. The qualification equips candidates to apply effective population control measures while developing long-term, sustainable management plans that align with best practice and legislation. Its flexible structure allows completion within a few months or over the course of a year, making it adaptable to individual work and personal commitments. Achieving the DMC3 represents more than a professional milestone, it recognises the candidate as a competent, knowledgeable, and credible practitioner capable of contributing to the responsible future of deer management in the UK.

More about each Unit

Unit 1 - Recognition of Prior Learning & Courses

Unit 1 - Recognises existing and acquired academic learning and established deer management courses, delivered by a wide range of industry-recognised training providers and educational institutions. To achieve 15 credits candidates must have completed sufficient learning/training either prior to/or during enrolment on the DMC3. 

Recognition of Prior Academic Qualifications

Candidates may be awarded credits for previous relevant academic or professional qualifications, including up to 10 credits for a Bachelor’s degree and up to 7 credits for a National Diploma. Other relevant awards, such as professional hunting qualifications, postgraduate diplomas, or international equivalents, may also be considered following review.
This flexible approach enables candidates to build upon existing knowledge and experience while tailoring their training pathway to align with their professional and career objectives.
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Recognised Courses & Providers 

Large Game Meat Hygiene Course (1 credit) 

Recognised Providers 
S&H Academy | LANTRA | NGO | DMQ

Butchery & Skinning Course
(2 credits) 

Recognised Providers
•Any Certificated Butchery Course 

Gralloching & Inspection Course (2 credits) 

Recognised Providers
S&H Academy | Jelen PWS 

Advanced Deer Management Course (6 credits) 

Recognised Providers
S&H Academy | Jelen PWS 

Deer Management Course
(3 Credits)

Recognised Providers
DMQ | BASC | BDS

Live Animal Capture & Immobilisation (4 Credits)

Recognised Providers
Jelen PWS | TUPPCO

Deer Track & Recovery Course
(2 credits)

Recognised Providers
UKDTR | S&H Academy 

Land Impact Assessment Course (3 credits)

Recognised Providers
S&H Academy | WildTrackPro 

Night Shooting Course
(4 credits)

Recognised Providers
S&H Academy | DMQ | SGA | BDS

Trophy Evaluation Masterclass (2 credits)

Recognised Providers
S&H Academy 

Wild Boar Certificate
(2 credits) 

Recognised Providers
DMQ | BDS

Humane Animal Dispatch Course (2 credit)

Recognised Providers
Jelen PWS | DMQ

Publicly Sensitive Site Course
(3 credits)

Recognised Providers
Wild Track Pro

Range Medical Course
(2 credits)

Recognised Providers
Jackal Firearms

Deer Best Practice Day
(2 credits)

Recognised Providers
NGO


The above list is not exclusive, the S&H Academy invite Training Providers to submit requests to be added to the list of 'Approved Training Providers'. Submit your request HERE
If you already hold a qualification and are unsure whether it is relevant or eligible for credit, please get in touch with the S&H Academy team for guidance. Submit your request HERE

Guidance notes for Unit 1

- Recognised course training providers include, but are not exclusive to: Shooting & Hunting Academy, LANTRA, DMQ, Jelen PWS, WildTrackPro, National Gamekeepers Organisation, Scottish Game Keepers Association and UKDTR. 

- This list is not exhaustive. Training providers may apply to the Shooting & Hunting Academy to request inclusion of a course.

- Candidates must provide proof of certification to the S&H Academy. 

- Candidates should consider the relevance of each course to their chosen vocation/role.

- Candidates may wish to enquire employers and/or landowners which courses they feel would equip them most suitably for the role for which they are applying.

- Candidates who hold prior qualifications (Degrees, Diplomas, CPD, Post-grad etc) in relevant subject areas, may be eligible for recognition of their prior learning through the award of relevant credits. All qualifications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine their relevance.

Examples of qualifications that may be considered include (but are not limited to):

- A degree in Wildlife Management or Conservation, or any other degree deemed relevant
- A diploma in Wildlife Management or Game and Wildlife, or any other diploma deemed relevant
- A professional hunting qualification obtained abroad, or any other professional qualification deemed relevant
- A postgraduate award such as the Sustainable Deer Management CPD Award, or any other postgraduate qualification deemed relevant.
If you believe your previous qualifications are relevant, please get in touch with us to discuss your eligibility and the potential credits that may be awarded.

Unit 2- Practical experience culling invasive deer species.

For those candidates with a registered address in Scotland, 10 credits are accumulated by culling 2 deer that are invasive in Scotland (Sika). 

For candidates with a registered address in England & Wales 10 credits are accumulated by culling 5 deer that are invasive in England & Wales and must include at least one large invasive species (Sika) and at least one small
invasive species (CWD / Muntjac).

Unit 3 - Practical experience culling Non-invasive deer species.

For those candidates with a registered address in Scotland 10 credits are accumulated by culling 8 deer that are non-invasive and must include at least two large non-invasive deer (Red or Fallow) and two small non-invasive deer (Roe). 

For candidates with a registered address in England & Wales 10 credits are accumulated by culling 5 animals that are non- invasive and must include at least two large non-invasive deer (Red or Fallow) and two small non-invasive deer (Roe).

Guidance notes for Units 2 & 3

- In all cases completion of a Level 3 Award requires the culling of at least 10 deer. 

- Evidencing Culls:
- Candidates may only evidence culls that have been completed after registration on the scheme.
- To register a cull, candidates must upload three (3) unedited photos of each cull, clearly showing: 
 - The candidate with the deer (showing the candidates face).
 - The shot deer in such a position as the species can be identified. 
 - The shot deer along with a completed larder tag. 

- To ensure the authenticity and integrity of all photos candidates are required specific App to their smartphone to take the required photos. The app ensures that all uploaded images to the DMC3 portfolio are authentic unedited and include an accurate time stamp. 

- Images should be uploaded to the S&H Academy, for additional check.
- Candidates should upload images after each cull to the dedicated folder.
* Candidates must NOT edit or amend the image or metadata.

Unit 4 - Completion of a Deer Management Plan

In this unit, candidates are required to produce a detailed Deer Management Plan (DMP) to earn 5 credits. This practical assignment is designed to demonstrate that the candidate understands the principles behind effective deer management planning, particularly how to set clear objectives and compile the relevant information required for a comprehensive plan.

Guidance notes for Unit 4

- Candidates must choose one of the following three DMP objectives on which to base their plan:

a) Minimise impact on a designated or proposed conservation site.
b) Maintain deer impact at a sustainable level while providing a surplus of mature animals for commercial purposes.
c) Integrate deer within a mosaic of different land uses that are aimed to maximise sustainable yield and reduce conflict.
- Each of these options represents a distinct management context and outcome. It is important for candidates to understand and reflect these differences in their planning, demonstrating a proactive approach to deer management rather than a reactive or aimless one.
- Candidates should view this unit as an opportunity to show a deeper understanding of why structured and purposeful deer management is critical in modern land use and conservation.

- The DMP must be based on a real area of land that the candidate is familiar with and can access for deer stalking. While ownership or lease of the land is not required, candidates must know the area well enough to create a realistic and informed plan.

- To support completion of this assignment, candidates are provided with detailed guidance notes and a DMP template. 
- The candidates finished plan must include the following seven (7) sections:
1) Site Overview & Assessment
2) Objectives of the Management Plan
3) Stakeholders & Responsibility
4) Deer Impact Assessment & Environmental Change Analysis
5) Management Actions & Implementation Plan
6) Monitoring & Review Process
7) Health & Safety, Risk Assessment and Legal Considerations

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Frequently asked questions

Who can enrol onto the Deer Management Certificate Level 3 - DMC3?

You can enrol if you have completed either the Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate Level 2 (PDS2) or the Deer Stalking Certificate Level 2 (DSC2). These are entry requirements for DMC3.

How long do I have to complete DMC3?

You must complete and submit all four units within 12 months of registering for DMC3.

Does my PDS2 or DSC2 count towards DMC3 Unit 1 credits?

No. PDS2 or DSC2 qualifies you to enrol, but it does not earn Unit 1 credits. You need 15 Unit 1 credits from eligible courses or relevant prior qualifications.

Which short courses can count towards DMC3 Unit 1?

Eligible courses may include Large Game Meat Hygiene, Butchery and Skinning, Night Shooting, Land Impact Assessment, Deer Track and Recovery, and other relevant certificated training. Credits depend on the course and provider. If your course is not listed on this page, [submit your certificate for review]. 

Can a degree, diploma or professional qualification count towards Unit 1?

Possibly. Relevant qualifications in wildlife management, conservation, game and wildlife management, or professional hunting may earn Unit 1 credits. The S&H Academy reviews each qualification individually, so [submit your certificate for assessment] to find out what credit may apply.

What is DMC3 designed to demonstrate?

DMC3 brings together relevant learning, verified deer culling experience and a practical Deer Management Plan. It is designed for experienced stalkers and deer managers who want to demonstrate broader knowledge, field competence and strategic planning ability beyond PDS2 or DSC2. 

Do I need to own land to complete the Deer Management Plan?

No. You do not need to own or lease land. Your plan must cover a real area you know well and can access for deer stalking, so you can produce a realistic, evidence-based Deer Management Plan.

What do I need to complete for DMC3?

DMC3 consists of four units worth 40 credits in total: relevant prior learning and courses (15 credits), practical experience culling invasive deer species (10 credits), practical experience culling non-invasive deer species (10 credits), and a Deer Management Plan (5 credits).