Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate (PDS1)
Nationally recognised and Accredited course
The Proficient Deer Stalker Certificate Level 1 is a nationally recognised Deer Management Certificate (DMC), that has been accredited by the UK’s largest, land-based awarding bodies; LANTRA and UK Rural Skills (UKRS).
A few more words about the PDS1 Certificate
Accredited by both LANTRA and UK Rural Skills (UKRS), the excellent 'Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate' (PDS1) is a deer management certificate that enables beginners to achieve 'Trained Hunter' status, at a time and place that suits, through the completion of an online course.
Through a series of online modules, classes and exams delivered by a professional deer stalker, 'LANTRA Approved Training Provider' and 'Approved Verifier’, candidates are guided through the PDS1 syllabus.
The PDS1 Course serves to educate and inform candidates about the practical elements involved in becoming a trained hunter, such as safety, marksmanship and rifle handling. Offered with the course is a 'Large Game Meat Hygiene Certificate' that complies with FSA Guidelines for placing large game meat on the market for human consumption.
Having completed the theory element of the deer management certificate online, candidates are awarded a PDS1 Certificate verifying what they have learnt.
To compliment the PDS1 theory with the practical assessment, it couldn’t be easier. We provide a list of Approved Verifiers (AV's) in your area who will be able to sign off on the practical elements of the course*.
The Proficient Deer Stalker Certificate (PDS1) is an established, widely recognised and nationally available deer stalking course that not only empowers candidates, but is widely recognised as a crucial first step in obtaining a Firearm Certificate, or variation to an existing certificate to hunt and shoot deer.
Your instructor throughout the course is Peter S Jones a well recognised and highly experienced full-time, professional hunter. Read more about your instructor at the bottom of this page.
The PDS1 Certificate is perfect for the beginner or for anyone wishing to learn to hunt deer, and is an ideal way to make a start in the exciting world of deer stalking.
*NB: Normal CDS rates apply for the Practical Assessment
The PDS1 Course serves to educate and inform candidates about the practical elements involved in becoming a trained hunter, such as safety, marksmanship and rifle handling. Offered with the course is a 'Large Game Meat Hygiene Certificate' that complies with FSA Guidelines for placing large game meat on the market for human consumption.
Having completed the theory element of the deer management certificate online, candidates are awarded a PDS1 Certificate verifying what they have learnt.
To compliment the PDS1 theory with the practical assessment, it couldn’t be easier. We provide a list of Approved Verifiers (AV's) in your area who will be able to sign off on the practical elements of the course*.
The Proficient Deer Stalker Certificate (PDS1) is an established, widely recognised and nationally available deer stalking course that not only empowers candidates, but is widely recognised as a crucial first step in obtaining a Firearm Certificate, or variation to an existing certificate to hunt and shoot deer.
Your instructor throughout the course is Peter S Jones a well recognised and highly experienced full-time, professional hunter. Read more about your instructor at the bottom of this page.
The PDS1 Certificate is perfect for the beginner or for anyone wishing to learn to hunt deer, and is an ideal way to make a start in the exciting world of deer stalking.
*NB: Normal CDS rates apply for the Practical Assessment
PDS1 Course Supporters
Trained Hunter status includes:
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Defence Discount Service
Meet the instructor
Peter S Jones
Peter S Jones BA (Hons) is a well known face in the industry, life-long environmentalist and highly experienced professional deer
manager, who has dedicated himself to the betterment of deer and large game through their careful
management and selection.
Peter has been stalking & hunting deer and other large game throughout the UK, Europe and Africa for the last 25 years. He holds PDS1 & PDS2 and DSC1 & DSC2. He is an 'Approved Witness' for the 'British Deer Society' in Deer Management Qualifications (DMQ), 'Approved Verifier' for the PDS1 & PDS2, Chairman & Founder of the exclusive Capreolus Club and Chief Instructor for the 'Shooting & Hunting Academy' - an Approved LANTRA & UKRS training provider.
In addition to many years spent providing expert tuition and guidance to hunting clients, Peter has also been responsible for delivering training and weapon familiarisation programs to Zoos, Enclosures and Wildlife Parks. Prior to this, Peter also served for 10 years as a Metropolitan Police Detective in the MPS Crime Squads & CID.
During his career, Peter was awarded a ‘Commendation for Bravery & Professionalism’, for his handling of an armed incident, before retiring from the force with an ‘Exemplary Service Certificate’. Peter's training and service in the Police and his in-depth knowledge of firearms legislation and the law surrounding firearm ownership, gives him a unique skill set that is of huge benefit to academy candidates and those taking their PDS1 deer stalking certificate.
Peter has been stalking & hunting deer and other large game throughout the UK, Europe and Africa for the last 25 years. He holds PDS1 & PDS2 and DSC1 & DSC2. He is an 'Approved Witness' for the 'British Deer Society' in Deer Management Qualifications (DMQ), 'Approved Verifier' for the PDS1 & PDS2, Chairman & Founder of the exclusive Capreolus Club and Chief Instructor for the 'Shooting & Hunting Academy' - an Approved LANTRA & UKRS training provider.
In addition to many years spent providing expert tuition and guidance to hunting clients, Peter has also been responsible for delivering training and weapon familiarisation programs to Zoos, Enclosures and Wildlife Parks. Prior to this, Peter also served for 10 years as a Metropolitan Police Detective in the MPS Crime Squads & CID.
During his career, Peter was awarded a ‘Commendation for Bravery & Professionalism’, for his handling of an armed incident, before retiring from the force with an ‘Exemplary Service Certificate’. Peter's training and service in the Police and his in-depth knowledge of firearms legislation and the law surrounding firearm ownership, gives him a unique skill set that is of huge benefit to academy candidates and those taking their PDS1 deer stalking certificate.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. I am completely new to deer stalking, is the PDS1 course for me?
A. Absolutely, the course is perfect for you and has been designed to help complete beginners become proficient deer stalkers. It is also a crucial first step in obtaining a Firearms license to shoot deer.
Q. What is the difference between DSC1 and PDS1?
A. Both qualifications are excellent and broadly equivalent. However, the PDS1 is accredited by both LANTRA and UK Rural Skills (UKRS), the UK's leading awarding bodies in land-based industries. The PDS1 also includes a 'Large Game Meat Hygiene Certificate whilst the DSC1 does not.
Unlike the DSC1, which is delivered in a classroom setting and delivered on specific dates, the PDS1 can be achieved through online training and one-to-one instruction at a time and place that suits you.
Unlike the DSC1, which is delivered in a classroom setting and delivered on specific dates, the PDS1 can be achieved through online training and one-to-one instruction at a time and place that suits you.
Q. I have an existing Firearms Certificate (FAC) but want to get a variation to be able to shoot deer, will the PDS1 help with this?
A. For those who already know how to shoot but wish to seek a variation to be able to hunt deer, the PDS1 Certificate is the perfect way to make the transition. It imparts safety and best practice guidelines, and by completing a course of study delivered by a reputable, established provider, helps demonstrate to the Police that you have taken the matter seriously.
Q. I am visiting the UK from abroad and wish to understand what is expected of me before I arrive, does the PDS1 help with this?
A. Yes, its perfect for those who are visiting the UK to hunt, you can complete the course online prior to arriving in the UK, that way you’ll understand the etiquette, how to behave and the law prior to arriving.
Q. Is the PDS1 an established and recognised qualification?
A. Accredited by both the UK's leading awarding bodies in land-based industries - LANTRA and UKRS, the PDS1 is a nationally recognised course that has been running for over a decade and has been awarded to hundreds of candidates. It is also recognised by the National Rifle Association (NRA), the Police and countless Landowners.
Q. Having completed the PDS1 course, will I need to get my own FAC and rifle before I can go stalking?
A. No. UK law provides a legal provision called the ‘Estate Rifle’ which means that you are permitted to use your stalkers rifle when hunting in his presence.
Meet PDS1 Students an read their stories