Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate (PDS1)
Nationally recognised and Accredited
A few more words about the PDS1 Certificate
Providing complete end-to-end Accreditation by both LANTRA and UK Rural Skills (UKRS) and recognised by Natural England, the Forestry Commission and NatureScot. The 'Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate' (PDS1) also 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.
The PDS1 Deer Stalking Qualification is also perfect for deer stalkers in Scotland who wish to get ahead of the 2026 Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill, which will make deer management qualifications mandatory for those that stalk deer in Scotland.
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.
The PDS1 Deer Stalking Qualification is also perfect for deer stalkers in Scotland who wish to get ahead of the 2026 Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill, which will make deer management qualifications mandatory for those that stalk deer in Scotland.
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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Defence Discount Service & Blue Light Card
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?
PDS1 is a more comprehensive Level 1 deer stalking qualification, covering a broader range of modules and topics while also providing a more flexible and supported route to completion. It includes the Large Game Meat Hygiene qualification, giving candidates Trained Hunter status, and it can be used as evidence when applying for NatureScot’s Fit and Competent register.
PDS1 is also recognised by Natural England, NatureScot and the Forestry Commission, and practical assessments are carried out through a nationwide network of Approved Verifiers, with one-to-one assessments arranged at a time and location convenient to the candidate. This gives learners a clearer, more personalised pathway from enrolment through to certification.
Q. I am completely new to deer stalking, is the PDS1 course for me?
A. Absolutely. PDS1 is designed to take complete beginners through a clear, structured pathway to becoming competent deer managers. It also represents an important first step towards obtaining a firearms licence for deer and, through the inclusion of the Large Game Meat Hygiene qualification, enables candidates to achieve Trained Hunter status.
At the same time, the course is equally suited to those with existing experience. Its flexible structure allows you to complete the training at your own pace, and based on consistently strong student feedback, even experienced stalkers find there is valuable knowledge to gain.
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. Also upon arrival you will be able to arrange practical assessment on the dates that work for you.
Q. PDS1 vs DSC1: which deer stalking qualification is better in Scotland?
A. In Scotland, both qualifications are recognised; however, PDS1 offers a more flexible and supported route to demonstrating competence.
PDS1 includes the Large Game Meat Hygiene qualification, providing Trained Hunter status, and is suitable as evidence when applying for the Fit & Competent register.
We also have a network of Approved Verifiers across Scotland who can carry out one-to-one practical assessments at a time and location convenient to you, ensuring a more personalised and efficient process.
To support candidates in Scotland, we currently offer 20% off using code SCOT25.
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.
Q. How long do I need to wait for the practical assessment?
A. With the PDS1 deer stalking course, there are no fixed waiting times for the practical assessment. Once you are ready, your assessment can be arranged through our nationwide network of Approved Verifiers.
PDS1 practical assessments are conducted on a one-to-one basis and scheduled around your availability and location, allowing many candidates to complete their deer stalking qualification without the delays often associated with fixed group courses.
PDS1 STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
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