The original deer management qualification.
Evolved.
The UK’s only 100% Online DSC1 Theory
Book your DSC1 Assessment with BASC
Ready to complete your Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1?
We offer dedicated DSC1 assessment-only days at locations across the UK.
This one-day assessment covers all requirements needed to secure your DSC1 qualification in a structured and professional environment with BASC.
Passing your DSC1 demonstrates competence, safety and knowledge in deer stalking, and is recognised across the UK shooting and land-based sector.
With your BASC DSC1, you can:
Stalk with BASC
Your DSC1 qualification gives you access the BASC Stalking Schemes running across the UK.
Join the community
You’re joining a community of over 30,000 deer stalkers who have already completed their DSC1.
Find stalking opportunities
Find local stalking syndicates, management groups or find a permission with the backing of DSC1.
Shoot with confidence
Take your learning into the field with the reassurance that you’ve studied with the UK’s leading deer stalking training provider.
Develop your learning
Find your next steps in deer stalking, through standalone best practice days, or working your way towards DSC2 qualification.
What to Expect on a DSC1 Assessment Day
BASC’s DSC1 assessment day includes all five elements of the qualification, completed in one day:
1. Written Assessment
A 50-question multiple choice paper covering deer legislation, identification, safety and best practice. A minimum of 40 correct answers is required to pass.
2. Visual Deer Identification
Candidates must identify the species and sex of 20 images representing the six wild deer species found in the UK. At least 16 correct answers are required to pass.
3. Game Meat Hygiene
A 40-question multiple choice assessment covering wild game meat hygiene, food safety, notifiable diseases, contamination risks and food hygiene regulations. A minimum of 32 correct answers is required.
4. Safety Assessment
A practical safety walk where candidates assess shooting scenarios and answer additional safety-related questions. All safety elements must be answered correctly to pass.
5. Shooting Assessment
The shooting test evaluates accuracy and safe rifle handling at varying distances:
- Two shots at 100 metres from prone or simulated high seat
- Two shots at 70 metres from standing, kneeling or sitting
- Two shots at 10 to 20 metres for humane dispatch
Candidates must demonstrate safe handling and consistent accuracy. You should be able to confidently hit a 4-inch target at 100 metres.
Preparing for Your DSC1 Assessment
To support your preparation, BASC offers the official digital DSC1 manual (also available hard copy format upon request). Candidates can also access online revision questions to help reinforce knowledge before attending an assessment day.
Thorough preparation is essential to give yourself the best chance of success.
Equipment Requirements
If you are bringing your own rifle, it must be a deer-legal calibre and ammunition should be factory produced (no home-loaded ammunition). Rifles will be provided for those who do not own one.
Full details are provided after you book your assessment.
What You Will Achieve
Successful candidates are awarded:
- Deer Management Qualifications (DMQ) Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1
- The Large Game Meat Hygiene theory element
DSC1 is the first step towards achieving full Large Game Trained Hunter status, which requires progression to DSC2.
Book Your DSC1 Assessment Day
If you are prepared to demonstrate your knowledge, safety and shooting competence, book your BASC DSC1 assessment day today.
Secure your place at a location near you and take the next step in your deer stalking journey.
We recommend that DSC1 candidates start studying at least eight weeks prior to the course date.
Members who hold a current FAC will be required to produce it for inspection at BASC courses or events.
All members will be required to sign the Section 21 declaration at each course or event prior to shooting.
Members must not be a prohibited persons under Section 21 1968 Firearms Act or under Article 63 2004 Firearms (N Ireland) Order.
BASC is working with a trusted third-party provider to deliver this course. Only your name and email address will be shared with them for course access.
Cost
BASC members: £335.00
If you are not a BASC member please contact the training & education department on 01244 573018 for more information.
Price includes an electronic copy of the DSC1 manual. If you require a printed version at £45, please call 01244 573018
Important note for your practical assessment:
If you are bringing your own rifle, it must be a deer-legal calibre and ammunition should be factory produced (no home-loaded ammunition). Rifles will be provided for those who do not own one.
Full details are provided after you book your assessment.
Should there be insufficient bookings, BASC reserves the right to cancel the course. In the interests of fairness, BASC will aim to provide candidates with notification of cancellation as soon as possible prior to the advertised start date.
We strongly recommend that fees for any accommodation you book are refundable as BASC will not be responsible for any losses incurred by candidates.
Members Cancellation
| Members Charge | Refund | |
| Reallocation to another course (only available 8 weeks or more before the course start date) | £25 | £25 |
| Cancellation more than 8 weeks before the course start date | 30% course cost | 70% course cost |
| Cancellation less than 8 weeks but more than 4 weeks before the course start date | 65% course cost | 40% course cost |
| Cancellation less than 4 weeks before the course start date | 100% course cost | 100% course cost |
If, for any reason, you cancel your place on the course then the following scale of charges may apply:
Non-member Cancellation
If for any reason you cancel your place on the course then the following scale of charges may apply:-
| Charge Non-members | Refund | |
| Reallocation to another course (only available 8 weeks or more before the course start date) | £25 | £25 |
| Cancellation more than 8 weeks before the course start date | 40% course cost | 60% course cost |
| Cancellation less than 8 weeks but more than 4 weeks before the course start date | 75% course cost | 25% course cost |
| Cancellation less than 4 weeks before the course start date | 100% course cost | 100% course cost |
Please note that there will be a non-returnable charge of £27 for the training manual in the event of cancellation.
Frequently asked questions
- DSC1 Online Theory, with a single-day practical assessment. (Learn at your own pace.)
- Expert-led DSC1 (4-day classroom-based course with both theory and practical assessments on the final day).
- Assessment only (for those candidates already familiar with the course content and wish to go straight to the assessments)
