Course Status

Please Note the course fee for the course starting 18th August is £428.

What will I learn?

Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1 – This 3-day course provides an ideal training package for a new stalker and also the opportunity for skills development and accreditation for those with some experience. On acceptance onto the course a comprehensive manual and learning resource will be sent out to you to prepare an revise from. The course covers and assesses;

  • Deer biology and ecology – the life and reproductive cycles, habitat requirements and behaviour of the UKs six species of wild deer.
  • The law – the use of firearms and the legalities of culling wild deer.
  • Stalking techniques and taking the shot – a theoretical knowledge and basics of stalking techniques, points of aim and the reaction of the deer to shot placement.
  • Deer identification – an ability to identify the six species of deer normally found wild in the UK, being able to distinguish between the male and female of each species throughout the year
  • Safety- the safe handling of firearms and other tools and equipment in the stalking environment. Including the use of knives and extraction equipment.
  • Shooting – an ability to shoot accurately and consistently in a simulated stalking environment with a deer legal centrefire rifle
  • Large Game Meat Hygiene qualification – the legal requirements and knowledge of the inspection process for deer carcasses entering the food chain (this is only for large game and can only be used in conjunction once you have passed DSC2)

    See Deer Management Qualifications website – www.dmq.org.uk

    Entry Requirements Age

    Applicants must be 19+ on the start date of the course in order to apply/enrol on the course.

    Please Note

    All fees are correct at the current time and may be subject to change.

    Due to funding restrictions this course is not available to existing full time Sparsholt College/Andover College students aged 16, 17 or 18 (or 19-24 with an EHCP) on the 31/8 in the year they started/start their course.

    • Qualification:

    Level 1

    Fees:

    £448

    Level of Study:

    Part-Time

    Dates:

    • 18/08/2026 - 20/08/2026 (CL1DEER/FC01)
    • 07/07/2027 - 09/07/2027 (CL1DEER/FC02)

    Interview:

    No

    Location:

    Sparsholt College, SO21 2NF

    Duration:

    09:00 - 17:00