PDS Approved Verifier Course

Approved Verifiers (AVs) are required in all areas of the UK to verify the skills of PDS1 & PDS2 candidates who have completed the PDS1 & PDS2 Online. If you are a professional stalker, have DSC2, PDS2 or equivalent, become an AV by taking this course and getting registered.
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Those that have completed their PDS1 Course online via the Shooting & Hunting Academy are required to have the skills element of the course assessed. This can be carried out by an Approved Verifier (AV).
This course provides details of the requirements and guidelines to carry out the skills assessment and has been designed to ensure that the assessment process is transparent, consistent and fair.

About the PDS1 Course & Approved Verifier Course

Accredited by both LANTRA and UK Rural Skills (UKRS), the excellent 'Proficient Deer Stalker Certificate Level 1' (PDS1) is a nationally recognised course that is delivered by the ‘Shooting & Hunting Academy’. The course exists for those that wish to develop their skills and become proficient, trained hunters and has been established to ensure high standards amongst stalkers of wild deer.

Through a series of modules and classes delivered via an e-learning platform, candidates are guided through the PDS1 syllabus, before being required to pass a series of multiple-choice examinations. Read more about PDS1 Course HERE

To ensure candidates who have completed the Online PDS1 course are able to have their practical skills assessed in an area near them,  the S&H Academy provide details to PDS1 candidates of Approved Verifiers in all areas of the UK, who are able to assess the marksmanship and safety skills of the candidate.

In the interests of fairness, the PDS1 Certificate requires continuity. The PDS1 Approved Verifier course is designed to provide this continuity and details the requirements & guidelines on how the assessment is to be carried out, what are the expectations and role of an Approved Verifier and the requirements for the PDS1 Candidate.

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Write your awesome label here.

Write your awesome label here.

The Requirements of Becoming a PDS1 Approved Verifier 

It is essential that you read the requirements of becoming an Approved Verifier prior to enrolling on this course
  • You should, possess one of the following: A Deer Stalking or Deer Management Qualification PDS2 and/or DSC2. Be a professional deer stalker, or possess a qualification that is deemed equivalent by the Shooting & Hunting Academy.
  • Complete the PDS1 AV Course via the S&H Academy.
  • Register your details for publishing on a list to be made available to PDS1 candidates.
  • Possess a suitable deer calibre rifle equipped with quality optics and a sling, that the candidate can use for the assessment.
  • Have legal use of land which is suitable and safe for the purposes of the assessment.
  • Have current, suitable liability insurance to at least £5 million
  • Be able to demonstrate relevant experience
  • Respond to all enquiries from candidates in a timely and polite fashion.
  • Understand that to remain an AV you must be responsible for your own continuous development and read any material or amendments forwarded to you by the S&H Academy
  • Keep S&H Academy up to date with changes to your contact details
  • In the interests of integrity, not carry out the assessment of family or relatives
  • Agree to administration fee of £10 per annum collected by Direct Debit to remain on the list of approved verifiers. (Chargeable after the first 12 months)
  • Adhere to the highest standards of professionalism

If you meet the criteria and would like to become a PDS1 Approved Verifier, please enrol & register now


**Once you have submitted the form and completed the online PDS1 verifier course you will be added to the PDS1 Approved Verifiers list, which will be made available to all PDS1 candidates

NB. Further to the release of the Proficient Deer Stalker Level 2, from July 2023 Approved Verifiers will be invited to witness the practical skills of Level 2 candidates in the field, as part of the Level 2 practical assessment.

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, 'Approved Verifier' for the PDS1 Deer Stalking Qualification, Chairman & Founder of the exclusive Capreolus Club and Chief Instructor at County Deer Stalking - 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 Certificate.
www.countydeerstalking.co.uk
peter@countydeerstalking.co.uk

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT EXPERIENCE AND/OR QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED TO BECOME AN APPROVED VERIFIER? 

To become an PDS1&2 Approved Verifier, you will need to be either PDS2 or DSC2 qualified, have extensive experience in deer stalking and the necessary insurance. Ideally, you will have ground where you can assess the candidates in their various practical assessments. 

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO BECOME AN APPROVED VERIFIER?

To become an Approved Verifier, you must first sign up for and complete a brief e-learning course that outlines your responsibilities and expectations. Upon finishing the course, you will receive a unique Approved Verifier number and be added to the list of contacts for candidates seeking to arrange shooting practical assessments and verified stalks.

WHY SHOULD I BECOME AN APPROVED VERIFIER? 

Becoming an Approved Verifier not only acknowledges your expertise and experience in deer stalking but also allows you to guide and assess individuals through their qualifications and develop valuable industry connections. As an AV, you'll join the expanding Shooting & Hunting community, where you'll have the opportunity to network with fellow AVs and other like-minded individuals.

IS BEING AN APPROVED VERIFIER A VOLUNTARY SERVICE, OR DO I GET PAID? 

Being an Approved Verifier for our courses is a voluntary service and you will not be paid by the Shooting & Hunting Academy directly. However, if you wish to charge the candidates for the assessment days and outing this is at your discretion and we give recommended fees upon enrolment. 

DO I HAVE TO TRAVEL AS AN APPROVED VERIFIER? 

We encourage Approved Verifiers to use their own land permissions for outings, but if a candidate prefers you come to their location, that's perfectly acceptable. Rest assured, you will only be contacted by candidates within your area, so travel should be manageable if needed.

WHAT ARE MY COMMITMENTS AS AN APPROVED VERIFIER? 

As an Approved Verifier, please ensure that your contact details, address, and any relevant personal circumstances are kept current. While there is no minimum number of assessments required, we encourage you to actively engage with all candidates who reach out, even if you are unable to serve as their verifier on that occasion. Remember, as a representative of the Shooting & Hunting Academy, it's important to maintain a professional demeanour in all interactions, including on social media.