The Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1 (DSC1) is now divided in delivery and structure. LANTRA have confirmed that the British Association of Shooting & Conservation - BASC have formally applied to accredit their DSC1 training - but assessments stay with DMQ.
In a move set to further mirror the ‘Shooting & Hunting Academy’s’, Proficient Deer Stalking Course - PDS1 BASC intend to offer DSC1 training online.
That represents a fundamental shift in both structure and delivery. And what many will see as a clear change in direction.
The DSC under DMQ used to be hailed as the established standard. But what we now see is an apparent divison in training delivery and assessment, with different DSC training providers now adopting differing methods of delivery and accreditation.
There is now a divide in DSC training with DSC training delivered by BASC sitting under LANTRA, while assessment and certification remain under DMQ. Some providers are poised to offer DSC training accredited by LANTRA, whilst others like the British Deer Society (BDS) are offering no LANTRA accreditation at all! That is no longer one established unified DSC system…it is a confusing blend of hybrids.
LANTRA have gone to considerable lengths to emphasise that their accreditation applies strictly to BASC’s DSC training only, and must be clearly separated from any external certification routes. In their own words, LANTRA state: “Our accreditation will apply strictly to the training element… and communications will make this separation explicit to avoid any risk of implied endorsement.”
That raises an obvious question. Why does this arrangement require such clear separation from the DMQ assessment of DSC1?
When established training providers are now reacting to a changing landscape…
rather than leading it…it inevitably raises questions around how comfortable they are about established governance and standards. Because if everything was functioning so well under the current system, you have to ask, why the need for change?
There is also a clear shift in delivery. BASC moving towards online training is a significant change in direction. Structured online learning, combined with practical in-person assessment, is something that has been delivered by the Shooting & Hunting Academy for years.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery they say. But the fundamental difference is that the S&H Academy system was built differently from the outset. Properly 'Accredited' end-to-end third party assessment, online learning, combined with real in-field assessment through a nationwide network of approved verifiers. The PDS route is clear from start to finish. Not a baffling hybrid of training under one body and assessment under another, not something that needs explaining afterwards…just one coherent system.
So, if you are interested in taking a deer stalking qualification, here at County Deer Stalking, we recommend that you opt' for the Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1 - PDS1 which offers one established system with proper end-to-end accreditation, an established network of assessors, along with the ‘Trained Hunter’ status.
For more information about the PDS1 delivered by the Shooting & Hunting Academy follow this link: Proficient Deer Stalking Course - PDS1
