The original deer management qualification.
Evolved.
The UK’s only 100% Online DSC1 Theory
Expert Led DSC1
Discover deer stalking with BASC Deer Stalking Certificate 1
Step into the world of deer stalking qualifications with the UK’s leading deer stalking training provider. Whether you’re new to deer stalking, or looking to build your experience into a recognised qualification, our Lantra accredited training for DSC1 courses are designed specifically for you.
Our 4-day DSC1 in-person course offers you an in-depth accelerated course of study, covering each module with the led by our in-house experts, as you progress towards your examination on the final day.
The leading deer stalking training provider
When you enrol with BASC, you’ll discover best-practice from our experts with decades of real world experience.
We believe everyone interested in deer stalking should have access to sector-leading training opportunities, which is why we are proud to offer the UK’s most popular pathway to gaining your DSC1.
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 the course
You will learn everything needed to pass your DSC1 Theory and Practical exams during your time on the course. Modules are broken down across four days of theory-based sessions, including the final assessment.
Included in the course, you will receive a digital copy of our detailed DSC1 manual to help with revision and to consolidate your understand during and after qualifying. Hard copies of the DSC1 manual are available upon request.
DSC1 Course module breakdown
For many of the UK’s deer stalkers, DSC1 is the essential foundation qualification in deer stalking.
You will study topics on:
- Firearms and deer stalking safety
- Large deer (ecology and biology)
- Small deer (ecology and biology)
- Signs of deer and the damage they cause
- Deer and firearms legislation
- Shooting (equipment, ammunition and taking the shot)
- Handling deer (post-shot inspection and gralloching)
- Game meat hygiene
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)
