LANTRA Proficient Deer Stalker Level 1 (PDS1)
Accredited by the UK’s leading land-based awarding bodies, LANTRA and UK Rural Skills (UKRS), the ‘Proficient Deer Stalker Certificate Level 1’ (PDS1) is a comprehensive deer stalking qualification designed for beginners.
This course equips participants with essential skills to become a proficient deer stalker and achieve ‘Trained Hunter’ status. Through a blend of online learning and practical training, the PDS1 ensures that candidates gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.
Course Structure
The PDS1 course is divided into two main components:
Theory Component:
- Delivered via the ‘UK Shooting & Hunting Academy’, an intuitive e-learning platform.
- Allows candidates to complete the coursework online at their convenience, reducing the need for travel.
- Covers all theoretical aspects of deer stalking, ensuring a strong foundation of knowledge.
Practical Component:
- Conducted by Jelen PWS, a renowned provider with over four decades of expertise in deer management.
- Includes practical shooting and safety training, ensuring candidates are well-prepared for real-world deer stalking scenarios.
- Focuses on hands-on skills, including carcass handling, deer identification, and shot placement.
Unique Features
A distinctive feature of the PDS1 course is the inclusion of a ‘Large Game Meat Hygiene Course’ at no additional cost. This course, available through the Shooting & Hunting Academy, enhances participants' understanding of hygiene rules and proper techniques for handling wild game. It covers essential topics such as hygiene regulations, proper evisceration methods, and the transportation of game meat.
Course Syllabus
The PDS1 course syllabus is comprehensive, covering a wide range of topics essential for proficient deer stalking:
- Module 1: Understanding the need to manage deer
- Module 2: Firearms safety & rifle components
- Module 3: Where to place your bullet & variants of shot placement
- Module 4: Zeroing and point-blank range
- Module 5: Marksmanship
- Module 6: After the shot
- Module 7: Carcass extraction, handling & inspection
- Module 8: Deer identification
- Module 9: UK Legislation
- Module 10: Deer Stalking in Scotland
- Module 11: Buying your equipment and getting out deer stalking
- Final Exam: Comprehensive assessment to test your knowledge and skills
Large Game Meat Hygiene Course Includes:
- Module 1: Hygiene rules and proper techniques for handling, evisceration, extraction, and transportation of wild game animals post-shooting.
- Module 2: Identifying normal & abnormal anatomy, physiology, and behaviour of wild game.
- Module 3: Pathological changes in wild game due to disease, environmental contamination, and other factors.
- Module 4: Legislation and administrative provisions on animal and public health, and hygiene conditions governing the placing of wild game on the market.
- Final Exam: Comprehensive assessment to ensure proficiency in game meat hygiene
Benefits of the PDS1 Course
- Accreditation: Gain certification from LANTRA and UK Rural Skills, enhancing your professional credentials.
- Flexibility: Complete the theory component online at your own pace and convenience.
- Practical Experience: Receive hands-on training from experienced professionals at Jelen PWS.
- Comprehensive Learning: Cover all aspects of deer stalking, from theory to practical application.
- Career Advancement: Achieve ‘Trained Hunter’ status and open up opportunities in wildlife and deer management.
Enrolment and Availability
The PDS1 training is available to candidates throughout the year. To enroll in the course please click here.
