Feb 18 • ALEX RUSSON

Alex from Hunter Gatherer Cooking shares his honest experience about PDS1

Hey everyone, Alex here from Hunter Gatherer Cooking! I recently had the opportunity to take the Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1 (PDS1), and I wanted to share my experience. If you're interested in deer stalking and looking for the right certification, this might help you decide between PDS1 and DSC1.
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Originally, I was planning to take the DSC1, but due to bad timing and illness, I haven’t gotten around to it yet. That said, DSC1 requires attending an in-person three-day course, which can be tricky when factoring in time off, travel, and accommodation. It’s a solid option, but it’s not always convenient.

That’s where PDS1 comes in. Created by Peter Jones and his team at the Shooting & Hunting Academy, PDS1 is an online learning course designed for modern learners who prefer video-based training. It allows you to learn at your own pace from home, with well-structured modules covering everything from firearm safety to deer identification and carcass handling. The best part? It’s LANTRA-approved and constantly updated to reflect the latest regulations.
For me, PDS1 was a game-changer. It broke everything down in a way that was easy to understand, engaging, and practical. I genuinely wish I had found it sooner—it would have made my first deer stalk much less overwhelming! The quality of the videos and the step-by-step structure made it an enjoyable learning experience, and I passed my exam with a solid score. The only thing left is my gralloching inspection to complete my certification.
PDS1 it’s an excellent alternative to DSC1, especially for those who prefer digital learning. Plus, you can revisit the material anytime for a refresher. If you want to hear my full thoughts, check out my detailed review on YouTube and let me know what you think!

Looking to get into Deer stalking? Enrol today!

Proficient Deer Stalker PDS1 Course

PDS1 is LANTRA and UKRS accredited course delivered by a trusted provider of deer stalker training. The PDS1 is nationally recognised Deer Management course that delivers 'Trained Hunter' status.

Proficient Deer Stalker PDS2 Course

Deer Stalking Qualification that is designed to follow on from the foundation skills achieved during the PDS1. The level 2 course consists of two elements, a taught element delivered online and a practical demonstration of skill by the candidate in the field. Read more  

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