Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1 & 2

The forest has been carefully planned over many years

Eskdale Wood and Wildlife Management Ltd are based at Eskdalemuir in Dumfries & Galloway

DEER STALKING CERTIFICATE LEVEL 1

EWWM has recently built an education/training centre at Fingland, Eskdalemuir and in association with The North Highland College, Thurso, we are able to train and assess candidates for the new Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1.

INTRODUCTION

The training/assessment for DSC Level 1 will normally take two days depending on previous knowledge/experience. Since Level 1 is a written/theory test, most of the teaching will be in the new teaching centre at Fingland, Eskdalemuir and suitable indoor clothing/footwear will be required. However attempts will be made to go out into the field and larder depending on the time of year and if cull beasts are available. Suitable outdoor/stalking clothes will be required. Candidates will also require a wristwatch for timing in the field.

We anticipate that this course will take 2 days with the courses beginning at 0900hrs and finishing circa. 1530hrs. Coffee will be provided but candidates are responsible for bringing a packed lunch.

THE TEST

To be awarded the DSC - Level 1 the candidate must demonstrate knowledge and skills in the following areas:

Deer biology and ecology - Demonstrate a knowledge of the life and reproductive cycles, habitat requirements and behaviour of the 6 species of wild deer normally found in the UK.

The Law - Demonstrate a knowledge of the legal basis for the use of firearms and culling of wild deer.

Stalking techniques and taking the shot - Demonstrate a theoretical knowledge of the basis of stalking techniques, points of aim and the reaction of the deer to shot placement.

Deer Identification - Demonstrate an ability to identify the six species of deer normally found in the wild in the UK, being able to distinguish between the male and female of each species in both summer and winter pelage.

Safety - Demonstrate an ability to safely handle firearms.

Shooting - Demonstrate an ability to shoot accurately and consistently.

PAYMENT

The total charge for the course will be £210. It is advisable to purchase a training course pack which includes the 300 questions ( price - £20 ) in advance of the course date to allow the candidate to prepare for the test. .

Courses are run throughout the year dependant on demand with an ideal group size of 4 - 6 candidates and can include roe/sika stalking as an extra so that the candidate can begin training for the DSC Level 2. Anyone interested in booking should contact Ronald Rose on 013873 73216 or e-mail ron@eskdalewildlife.com or write to Fingland Training Centre, Eskdalemuir, Langholm, Dumfriesshire, DG13 0QP.

SPECIALIST CONSERVATION COURSES
EWWM can provide specialist conservation courses covering aspects of forest design and associated habitat/wildlife management required to conserve much of the nations flora and fauna within a working commercial forest.

The knowledge and skills of the candidate are demonstrated through the use of one written (multiple-choice) paper, one observation checklist covering the identification of the six species and one shooting test.

(a) Multiple Choice - 50 questions are picked from the 300 standard questions a copy of which is included in the course pack. Pass is achieved with 40 or more correct answers.

(b) Observation - The candidate is shown a series of 20 slides and is expected to demonstrate a knowledge of species and sex nomenclature.

(c) Target shooting - Scoring

Zero Target - All shots must be inside or cutting the 4-inch circle on the standard zero target or equivalent.

Roebuck or equivalent target - All shots must be inside or cutting the killing area (5" ring) of the roebuck or equivalent target to pass. Shots are comprised of :

(a) 2 shots for a humane kill prone at 100m.

(b) 2 shots for a humane kill kneeling or sitting using sling and/or stick as desired at 70m.

(c) 2 shots for a humane kill standing using a stick at 40m.

DEER STALKING CERTIFICATE LEVEL 2

Roe doe stalking during the winter is a good way to train for and achieve the DSC Level 2. R D Rose Forestry (Hons.) has worked for over twenty years as a wildlife manager/stalker and is a recognised accredited witness for BASC, BDS and the North Highland College. Obviously, the presence of a recognised accredited witness enables one to achieve the 3 culls necessary to pass this level.

The presence of a working larder means that course attendants will be able to participate and learn by doing the necessary lardering techniques on site when carcasses become available. Normally, training and assessment for the lardering part of Level 2 can be passed at Eskdalemuir in one day.

DIRECTIONS

ACCOMODATION

From Lockerbie, follow the signs for Eskdalemuir(B723). Keep on this road for approx. 14 miles until you come to a T-junction(church), turn left onto the B709. Within 3 miles, pass the sign for the British Geographical Survey, go over the river and we are the 1st house on the left, sign posted Fingland. Click (here) for map.

We can provide B&B accommodation at Fingland Training Centre. Hotel accommodation is available within the valley and also at Lockerbie or Langholm, our two nearest towns(14 miles from Eskdalemuir Forest).

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