Deer Stalking Level 1 - Scotland

[Silverback 1]

Not quite,

I said there was no obligation to hold a DSC or to hunt on FC land (i.e. there are plenty of other places to hunt)

I have already agreed with the 2 points in the preceeding posts.

But do you agree that there is an obligation to hold a DSC to hunt deer on FC land?

[British Red]

I have no idea Silverback - but if you tell me it is so, I have no reason to doubt you . I hadn't heard of it before - but then I have never hunted on FC land - so why would I have?

I haven't been in any way trying to pick a fight - my point is only that there is no obligation to have a DSC to hunt deer in the UK - there may be certain obligations imposed by some landowners for them to grant permission but its perfectly possible (and indeed comon) to legally hunt deer without one. I hope we agree there

[Silverback 1]

I haven't been in any way trying to pick a fight - my point is only that there is no obligation to have a DSC to hunt deer in the UK - there may be certain obligations imposed by some landowners for them to grant permission but its perfectly possible (and indeed comon) to legally hunt deer without one. I hope we agree there

We certainly do Red providing the land is private property and the shooting rights/permission (preferably written) has been granted by the landowner and/or the person who owns or rents the shooting rights from said landowner.

Things have evolved over the last few years as far as the Forestry commision is concerned and what started off as a good idea (DSC 1&2) has become a bit of a money spinner for the relevant organisations;BASC, BDS etc. and unfortunately not everyone is in the favourable position (me included) to be able to stalk deer on private land, and consequently the demand to set up syndicates and stalk deer on FC land is massive and expensive and the FC in their wisdom have imposed these obligations/restrictions for whatever reasons, and if Joe Public wishes to pursue his lifelong passions on FC land it is a no brainer that we must spend our hard earned to get these little bits of paper.

I have greatly enjoyed our debate (not fight, i'm too old and knackered for all that) and i'm sure we have provided much entertainment for a few forum members as well as ourselves

[Shambling Shaman]

I did the DSC1 as a requirement to stalk on the estate that I work on so that I can sign the declaration for selling/supplying venison to the dealer.

Thought I should point that out

[British Red]

I think its a great idea regardless SS - do you now need it for game handling for sale? Or can you do the game handling certificate separately?

Its all rather moot in Lincolnshire really - if your dog runs away here you can watch it for three days. The backstop is Yorkshire

[Silverback 1]

I did the DSC1 as a requirement to stalk on the estate that I work on so that I can sign the declaration for selling/supplying venison to the dealer.

Thought I should point that out

Where were you when i needed you,and you started all this!!!

[Silverback 1]

do you now need it for game handling for sale? Or can you do the game handling certificate separately?

Large game and meat hygiene/handling became incorporated into the DSC Level 1 certificate in 2005, it was not initially part of the criteria to pass the exam.

It is not a separate certificate, but the stalker has to ensure that the carcass is supplied to approved game handling establishments.

[British Red]

Ah there you see - I have learned something! Never been into selling meat

[santaman2000]

Sure, but there is no "obligation" to hold a DSC to hunt deer, or to hunt on FC land. I'm sure all sorts of landowners and organisations have all sorts of rules about what you should and shouldn't have - from insurance onwards - but you aren't obliged to hunt on that land. On your own land, with a suitable ticket, you are good to go since they repealed the game licence years ago.

There's no requirement for a license to hunt on your own land here either BUT, it must be YOUR land; a friend's private land doesn't count. At lest not if uyou're hunting non-migratory species. There is still a requirement for the proper stamps (duck stamp, erc.) for migratory species.

Likewise there is no requirement (in most states) for a license to take non-game species such as feral pigs. There is no license requirement (in most Southern states) for a fishing license if fishing from the shore (or a permanent structure attached to the shore such as a pier or bridge) with live bait in the county of your residence.

[Shambling Shaman]

Where were you when i needed you,and you started all this!!!

I'm soooo sorry have quit literally been away with the fairies this week...

[Silverback 1]

I'm soooo sorry have quit literally been away with the fairies this week...

Only pulling your leg mate

[Deck]

Get the Jelen DSC1 DVD- it was worth every penny of the £22 IMHO. When we did the DSC I was spieling off the IDs whilst others struggled.

This something I am very interested in doing. Anyone got a link to the DVD? I can't seem to find it.

Thanks in advance

[Dougster]

Perhaps I wasn't clear?

Point one "You aren't obliged to hold a DSC to hunt deer" (by the law)

Point two "There are lots of places to hunt deer that are not FC land" (indeed the vast majority of land is not FC)

Lots of people hunt deer without being DSC qualified - not that its a bad thing to study, its an excellent thing to do, but there is no obligation to pass in order to hunt deer (unless you are hunting on someone elses land and they make it a requirement)

Sadly most Issuing authorities put a requirement of some sort or other these days to pass DSC1 to hold a ticket to shoot unaccompanied.

That said, now I can legally go out on my own I never do.

[Shambling Shaman]

Ok did not want to count my chickens,,, Did the course in March and passed all ok

Then needed to apply for my licences

Had the officer here today, he was happy and hopes to have my licences in the post by next week.

All being well I should start getting some stalking experience this season.

Well they arrived today

[Deck]

Well they arrived today

Awesome news bud! Am pleased for you. Let us know how you get on

[treelore]

Shambling Shaman if you are ever down my way you are more than welcome to come with me stalkng.... the Remington SPS you have been looking t is a wicked rifle, i have a SPS in .233 and a SPS tactical in .308. looking at a new .22 at the moment, a CZ silhoutte 16" barrel. The best piece of advice I can give you is to spend as muchmoney on glass for your rifle and bins, as at the end of the day you must findthe beast and place that shot.
Congratulations on gaining your DSC 1 and welcome to the club

[Shambling Shaman]

Shambling Shaman if you are ever down my way you are more than welcome to come with me stalkng.... the Remington SPS you have been looking t is a wicked rifle, i have a SPS in .233 and a SPS tactical in .308. looking at a new .22 at the moment, a CZ silhoutte 16" barrel. The best piece of advice I can give you is to spend as muchmoney on glass for your rifle and bins, as at the end of the day you must findthe beast and place that shot.
Congratulations on gaining your DSC 1 and welcome to the club

Thats very welcome thanks

Once I get some experience your welcome to come up here

Just need to let the boss know that I got them... Told you guy's 1st

[Lupin Rider]

This seems the right thread to ask my question which is about the order of things.

Getting a fac for deer seems to require having permission of somewhere to stalk large enough for the required calibre
some places want a dsc1 prior to giving permission to shoot
Can you do the dsc1 wiithout a fac or a rifle? How do you get the practice at the required calibre?
getting fac and a rifle requires suitable storage installing at home.


All seems a bit circular to me, where can you start if you don't own a wood, arent a farmer/ranger etc?

Can you enlighten me on the order of events. And if anyone wants to sell on their deer id dvd then im interested.

Lupin.

[Shambling Shaman]

This seems the right thread to ask my question which is about the order of things.

Getting a fac for deer seems to require having permission of somewhere to stalk large enough for the required calibre
some places want a dsc1 prior to giving permission to shoot
Can you do the dsc1 wiithout a fac or a rifle? How do you get the practice at the required calibre?
getting fac and a rifle requires suitable storage installing at home.


All seems a bit circular to me, where can you start if you don't own a wood, arent a farmer/ranger etc?

Can you enlighten me on the order of events. And if anyone wants to sell on their deer id dvd then im interested.

Lupin.

Well I did the course 1st, but then I work on an estate.

If you could get permission to shoot - then apply for the licence - then you get an interview - then they come back to make shore you cabinet is fitted.. give or take I had a cabinet already fitted so saved the guy a trip back.

Having a reason to own is the key imo, once you can prove you have justification then that goes a long way.

[Silverback 1]

This seems the right thread to ask my question which is about the order of things.
Getting a fac for deer seems to require having permission of somewhere to stalk large enough for the required calibre
some places want a dsc1 prior to giving permission to shoot
Can you do the dsc1 wiithout a fac or a rifle? How do you get the practice at the required calibre?
getting fac and a rifle requires suitable storage installing at home.
All seems a bit circular to me, where can you start if you don't own a wood, arent a farmer/ranger etc?Can you enlighten me on the order of events. And if anyone wants to sell on their deer id dvd then im interested.Lupin.

Do you just want to hunt deer or are you interested in the shooting sports as a whole?
My advice would be to join the nearest 'full bore' rifle target shooting club near to you, it is along time since i was a member of a target shooting club but if the rules are still the same you will go through a probationary period when you will be taught about safe gun handling and all the other safety aspects of shooting,during which time,as far as i am aware you will be able to use the club's rifles/equipment under strict supervision.When you have proved safe and competent, you will be able to apply for your own FAC but for target shooting purposes only,after which time you can apply to either to BASC or BDS to apply to do your DSC Level 1, as you do not actually have to shoot any deer to gain your Level 1 certificate, but obviously if you then wish to actually stalk deer you will have to have the conditions on your FAC changed accordingly.
If you need any help or advice just PM me and i will do my best to help.

Loads of info and advice here:-

www.basc.org.uk

www.bds.org.uk

[Dougster]

Well they arrived today

Congratulations mate. Must say hello when I am up your way soon.....