I am looking into doing the Deer Stalking Certificate to facilitate geting a lease (fingers crossed).

Although it isn't a legal requirement, it seems very difficult to get onto a syndicate without a certificate.

Can anyone tell me if they found the course itself particularly helpful, or could a reasonably knowledgeable person (read: me) pass the assessment without it?
The other option is the online-learning package, which at £95 seems a bit steep for access to a few pages of information online. Any opinions on this?

Cheers,

Gabriel

Gabriel,
My friend and I were in the same position 3 years ago, needed DSC 1 to get stalking, (got the certificate but did not get the stalking) baulked at the price as everyone does. Having said that I have not spoken to anyone that did not learn something from it. I would say that if you get the training material and just attend the assessment day then I'm sure you will manage no problem, people do. Just approach it with an open mind and you will benefit, plus you will get the Hygene bit so that you can sell to dealers, I had to pay another £15.00 for that. It's a good job we love this chosen sport of ours, must be bloody mad

John

Perhaps I can borrow a manual from someone who has already done the course and study that way...
After buying tons of books on the subject, it seems a bit pointless going to classes.

Hi - FWIW - I did Level 1 about 6 years ago, after several years prior experience. My feeling was that it was worthwhile learning, and the 'classroom' days well presented by experienced people. Not to everyones taste I will agree, but for my money it was good value.

Likewise with Level 2, which was a longer term learning process if somewhat more costly! BUT I feel I got a lot from it, it certainly helped me to gain more enjoyment from my stalking.

Best of Luck if you decide to go ahead with it.

TTFN

If you are practicaly knowledgeable and have read up on all the subjects covered by the DSC1 exam, then I would suggest if money is an issue then buy the Deer Quest cd rom from the BDS, it will give you all the multiple choice questions from the exam with answers and additional literature. Having said that training from a reputable teacher will prove money well spent....