Learning about Deer

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Learning about Deer

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Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Wed Jan 05, 05 8:40 pm Post subject: Learning about Deer

After enjoying wild venison over the last year, seeing numerous deer on our walks and forages and the fact that deer control is increasingly appearing in the news I think it is about time I leant some more about deer.

I know there are various deer stalking certificates that teach essential skills such as recognition, safety and shooting etc., but there seem to be various ways of doing these courses. At the moment, until I have reasonable shooting experience, I would like to be able to learn about deer from recognition and conservation through to the dinner table! Later on, when I know more, I would then like to learn about stalking and preparation.

I know it's a vast subject, but any useful information and all sorts of personal experience would be very welcome for a novice.

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Thu Jan 06, 05 8:53 pm Post subject:

I've had a bit of a look around and I have a few specific questions.

The British Deer Society, https://www.bds.org.uk/ , run various courses. There is the Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1 (DSC1) which I've often see mentioned but, although I can read what's covered, has anyone done it and what did you think of it? I am a little worried that I would be out of my depth as I think I know little about deer, hence the interest in a course!

I have also seen online courses advertised, are these any use?

There is a Deer Awareness course listed but no details. This sounds like what I would be looking for before starting a DSC1 so I'll ask the BDS for details.

Finally, for now, I was surprised to learn that you needed your own rifle before starting a DSC1. I was under the impression it would be hard to by a rifle suitable for deer until you have somewhere to use it and for that you would need a DSC1. Any more light on that would be useful as it seems logical to me to gain experience with the rifle on a range first.

deerstalker

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 589

Posted: Thu Jan 06, 05 11:00 pm Post subject:
... Last edited by deerstalker on Fri Apr 08, 05 5:40 pm; edited 2 times in total

deerstalker

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 589

Posted: Thu Jan 13, 05 1:04 am Post subject:
.. Last edited by deerstalker on Fri Apr 08, 05 5:37 pm; edited 1 time in total

Gervase

Joined: 17 Nov 2004
Posts: 8655

Posted: Thu Jan 13, 05 10:57 am Post subject:

I'd echo DS's recommendation for BASC - I've found their staff to be extremely knowledgable and helpful in every case. If you do any shooting at all, even potting the odd pigeon or bunny on your own land, I'd recommend joining - if only for the huge insurance cover and legal advice you get, while joining before you start shooting is a good idea, as their experts will help ease the way if you have problems with your local force over certification.
(And no, I'm not employed by BASC!)

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