Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate Level 2 PDS2

The PDS2 is a Deer Management Qualification that is designed to follow on from the foundation skills achieved during the PDS1. The Level 2 award is recognised by Natural England, the Forestry Commission and by NatureScot for 'fit & competent registration'.
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Nationally recognised Course

The Proficient Deer Stalker Certificate Level 2 is a nationally recognised Deer Management Certificate, that has been accredited by UK Rural Skills (UKRS) and is recognised by Natural England, the Forestry Commission, Forestry England and in Scotland by NatureScot, where the PDS1 & PDS2 Certificates can be used to apply for 'Fit & Competent' registration.

A few more words about PDS2 Certificate

The PDS2 is a Deer Stalking Qualification that is designed to follow on from the foundation skills
achieved during the PDS1.

The level 2 course consists of two elements, a taught element delivered via the ‘UK Shooting & Hunting Academy’ through a series of modules and classes, and a practical demonstration of skill by the candidate, that is observed by a PDS Approved Verifier in the field.
The initial taught element elevates the candidate’s knowledge in key areas, that include subjects such as, an advanced understanding of firearms and optics, ageing and assessing the condition of deer, how to assess the suitability of land for stalking, how to carry out risk assessments, record keeping and deer management plans. The take-up of this element is assessed through multiple choice examinations.

Upon completion of the taught element, candidates may download their practical assessment Logbook, which covers four key areas that include, the preparation and safe handling of equipment, competence at stalking and dispatching deer humanely and safely, the ability to be able to inspect and gralloch deer, and hygienically handle deer in line with food standards agency guidelines.

Through both taught modules and classes and through a practical demonstration of skill that must be demonstrated on at least two occasions, the PDS2 sets the gold standard in UK deer stalking and is ideal for those who may wish to take on a deer stalking lease, apply for an open style firearms certificate, or simply for those that wish to advance their knowledge to new heights.

The PDS Level 2 is available to all PDS1 & DSC1 candidates by simply enrolling via the UK Shooting & Hunting Academy.

NB: Candidates should note that the cost of the course covers the taught element of the PDS2 and registration on the practical assessment only.  

PDS2 Course Supporters

Course contents

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

PDS2 vs DSC2: why choose PDS2 for your advanced deer stalking qualification?

For candidates looking for a more substantial and professionally governed Level 2 deer stalking qualification, PDS2 offers a stronger and more comprehensive route.

PDS2 is externally accredited by UK Rural Skills, providing additional quality assurance, governance and professional oversight. It also includes structured online learning before the field assessments, helping candidates build their knowledge before being practically assessed.
The PDS2 practical element requires candidates to demonstrate competence during at least two successful assessed stalks, covering safe equipment handling, stalking and humane dispatch, carcass inspection, gralloching, hygienic handling, extraction, transport and storage. S&H Academy also has the UK’s largest network of PDS Approved Verifiers, giving candidates access to experienced professionals across the country.

In short, PDS2 is the more complete option for candidates who want a nationally recognised, externally accredited and quality-assured Level 2 deer stalking qualification.

I HAVE JUST COMPLETED MY PDS1. CAN I ENROL STRAIGHT AWAY ON THE PDS2? 

Yes, once you have completed your PDS1, you can enrol on the PDS2.
However, the PDS2 is a much more advanced qualification and is designed to assess your practical ability in the field. We highly recommend gaining as much deer stalking and gralloching experience as possible before attempting the PDS2 practical assessments.

The PDS2 is a thorough test of your competence, with standards kept high to help ensure the industry is supported by capable, confident and responsible deer stalkers.

I HAVE DSC1 CERTIFICATE, CAN I DO PDS2?

Yes you can. We accept DSC1 as Level 1 Qualification. All we ask you to do is to provide us with either your DSC1 certificate number or picture of the actual DSC1 certificate.

IS PDS2 AN ACCREDITED COURSE?

Yes, PDS2 is accredited by UK Rural Skills UKRS and upon completion you will receive PDS2 and UKRS Certificates in digital and print format.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THE PDS2 PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT?

The PDS2 practical assessments are completed in the field with a PDS Approved Verifier and are recorded in your PDS2 logbook.

Candidates are assessed against 21 performance criteria, covering four key areas: safe handling of equipment, ammunition and firearms; stalking and dispatching deer safely and humanely; inspecting and gralloching a shot deer; and hygienically extracting, transporting and storing the carcass in line with food hygiene requirements. Each performance criterion must be demonstrated successfully on at least two occasions to the satisfaction of an Approved Verifier. Not all criteria need to be completed on the same outing, and candidates may complete them over a number of stalks.

PDS2 vs DSC2: WHICH IS BETTER FOR DEER MANAGEMENT IN SCOTLAND?

In Scotland, both PDS2 and DSC2 are used to demonstrate advanced deer management competence and are recognised in operational contexts, including by NatureScot. However, PDS2 benefits from structured external governance through UK Rural Skills, providing professional oversight and assurance.
DSC2 does not have independent third-party accreditation, which may be a consideration as regulatory scrutiny increases under the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill.

HOW MANY VERIFIED STALKS DO I HAVE TO COMPLETE?

Two verified stalks must be completed. We do this to ensure you have the necessary experience and practical ability that the industry and employers are looking for. 

HOW MUCH EXPERIENCE DO I NEED TO HAVE BEFORE ATTEMPTING THE PDS2? 

We highly recommend that you get as much deer stalking and gralloching experience as possible before attempting the PDS2 as this is a thorough test of your practical ability, with standards kept high to provide the industry with competent, confident and capable individuals. 

DO I HAVE TO DO A WRITTEN EXAM? 

To earn your PDS2 qualification, you must first complete the theory component and pass the online exam, comprising of multiple-choice questions, through the Shooting & Hunting Academy. Afterwards, you will need to complete two verified stalks and have all your PDS2 logbook criteria signed off by an Approved Verifier. Upon completion, you will be awarded your qualification.

IS THERE AN APPROVED VERIFIER CLOSE TO ME? 

After signing up, we will provide you with a list of Approved Verifiers located near your area. We aim to have an Approved Verifier within an hour's reach of every location in the UK.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE PDS2? 

We recommend and expect candidates to complete their PDS2 within 12 months of enrolment. However, we understand that life can sometimes get in the way, particularly with a practical qualification that requires field experience and verified stalks. If you believe you may need longer, please contact the S&H Academy team as early as possible to discuss a possible deadline extension.

WHERE DO I SEND MY COMPLETED PDS2 LOGBOOK? 

Submitting your completed PDS2 logbook is very simple. Once it has been completed and signed off by your Approved Verifier, you simply need to scan or photograph it clearly and upload it through your online student account.

PDS2 STUDENT TESTIMONIALS