BDS Deer Management Course

The BDS Deer Management course is aimed primarily at stalkers, landowners and managers who would usually be the 'decision makers' concerning deer management issues appertaining to deer within differing habitats. The course is also available to those who may have to advise others on deer management matters of for those wishing to extend their general deer management knowledge.

The course takes place over 5 days. An estate visit is conducted on one of the days to observe 'good deer management practice' and for those wishing, to take an advanced shooting test. This is entirely voluntary; however those who partake and pass will have this fact recorded on the Deer Management Certificate awarded to successful students. If you wish to participate in the shooting you will be required to bring with you a fully zeroed deer legal rifle and a quantity of ammunition.

To gain a certificate an examination must be passed which takes the form of a short answer question paper and the production of a deer management report to a hypothetical land owner or manager.

Deer Management Courses are taught to a high level by instructors who have practical and deer management skills gained after many years working in the industry.

Course Content includes:

o Report Writing
o Deer Management Principles & Tutorials
o Census Techniques    
o Population Dynamics
o Cull Planning
o Cull selection
o Deer and Forestry
o Deer and Agriculture
o Health and Safety
o Economics
o Food Safety and Larders
o Disease
o Law
o Park Deer
o Record Keeping

Pre requisites

Students are normally required to have completed DSC Level 1 and preferably DSC Level 2. A detailed reading list is supplied with the application form and successful students invariably take advantage of this in preparation for the intensive course.  

Course cost

The tuition fee is set at a very moderate level of £450.00.  This includes a comprehensive course handbook, tuition and certification on successful completion.  Costs of food, accommodation and travel are not included.

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To download an application form for 2011 courses - Click Here

To download the preparation and reading list - Click Here