The Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1 (DSC1) is now in disarray. LANTRA have confirmed that the British Association of Shooting & Conservation (BASC) have formally applied to accredit their DSC1 training.
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.
For years, the DSC under DMQ has been hailed as the established standard. But what we are now seeing is a clear indication that the existing DSC system is no longer considered sufficient on its own, with different DSC training providers now clambering to adopt new delivery methods and even differing accreditation systems.
There is now a division 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 DSC?
There is also a second question that people are already starting to ask. If the system now needs to change, what does that say about the structure that has been in place up to now?
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. It wasn’t fashionable when the academy first introduced online training, but with the BDS now online…and now with BASC also following suit…it certainly is now!
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, it 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 management qualification, here at County Deer Stalking, we think you should ask one simple question; What do I want?
One established system with proper end to end accreditation an established network of assessors, along with the ‘Trained Hunter’ status that comes with the PDS1, or a Frankenstein hybrid with confusing, questionable and uncertain future.
For more information about the PDS1 delivered by the Shooting & Hunting Academy follow this link: Proficient Deer Stalking Course - PDS1
