At the 2009 branch AGM I was returned as Chair and Keith Snow was elected Secretary. No nominations for Treasurer were received, but Billy Tomlinson later agreed to take on this role. The committee was strengthened by the election of Chris Strawbridge, Andy Craig, and George Miller. Thanks to Jim McErlean and Chris Dalton who had previously served as Secretary and Treasurer respectively. Also thanks to Elizabeth Halstead and Ewen Kennedy who stood down from the committee after several years. The minutes of the 2009 AGM were available at the recent 2010 AGM.

During the year Maitland Rankin was elected as a Trustee Director to the Society at the 2009 AGM. Maitland's election will help to maintain a Scottish perspective at board level, and also support continuation of the branch structure within the Society.

Fortunately, during the past year there has not been a recurrence of foot-and-mouth and Scotland remained largely free of blue-tongue. We should be very grateful that we have not had to contend with an outbreak of these diseases. As before, extreme vigilance for both diseases, and perhaps others, is needed on the part of all stalkers.

Last year's programme

Last year's programme started off with an activity day in February at the Forestry Commission larder in Ae. A further activity day was held in October at the FC Straiton larder. Both events were well attended and provided practical demonstrations of gralloching, carcass preparation and butchery. The February event also featured a demonstration on the use of dogs for deer stalking. The October event was attended by 3 wildlife crime officers from Dumfries and Galloway, and Ayrshire. This provided an opportunity for us to understand the work of the wildlife crime officers and also for them to understand what we do as stalkers. An activity day is scheduled for the 2010 programme.

The rifle shoots at Parton commenced in April and were held monthly until October, providing an opportunity to zero rifles, practise and meet like-minded people with an interest in improving their shooting skills. An additional day's shooting featured in the calendar when the Northern Ireland Branch visited for an April weekend. A shoot was held at Parton in which our branch managed to achieve the highest score against a very strong team.

The branch fielded a team for the Borders Shoot which was hosted by the North West England branch in the Kendal area. NWE branch put on a well organised shoot and, despite the shooting disciplines being made known only at the last minute, our branch managed to win the shoot for a further year, with Dougal having the best individual score. The Scottish Interbranch shoot at Blair Atholl was won by Central, but Dougal took the top gun trophy.

For the Parton shoots, Dougal picked up the trophy for the best average score for the year but Kevin Craig was top scorer on the last day. Well done to both.

The branch again had a stand at the Galloway Game Fair in August, which enjoyed better weather than the previous year. The branch had a successful weekend - meeting members and friends, recruiting new members to the Society and raising funds for the branch. The branch had some new display materials from BDS HQ which were well produced and valuable in presenting the Society to the general public. Thanks to all who helped to man the stand, and in particular Elizabeth for donating prints for the raffle.

The Shooter's Competence Certificate was introduced in 2009 for those who wished to shoot on MOD ranges. BDS extended this qualification to RCO's who wished to run BDS events and all active RCO's in our branch qualified. As a consequence the branch organised a briefing session in March prior to the commencement of the Parton range days. For those interested there was an opportunity to take the test to qualify for the Shooter's Competence Certificate. It is now understood that the certificate can be renewed annually on application, not by retesting as previously thought. A further briefing session and test is scheduled for March 2010 (see Programme of Events).

The year was finished off with a talk on optics from Alastair Stirling of the New Luce Gunroom, and the Wildlife Crime Officer for Dumfries and Galloway.

Branch funds

The branch funds have benefited from the income from the range fees, the Galloway Game Fair and the activity day, and branch funds are in good heart. Again this year an award of £300 has been made to a student of Thurso College studying deer management to help with his studies. The recipient this year is Joshua Burton. During the year BDS HQ sent cheques for £400 to each branch to assist with materials or equipment needed for attending shows. The committee had considered purchasing a television with DVD player to show the BDS gralloching and butchery DVD's at the Galloway Game Fair but instead borrowed one from the secretary for the event.

The branch has attended most of the Scottish Council meetings along with Maitland in his capacity as Vice-Chair. Scottish Council meetings are held in Perth, which means a long day for those attending.

The coming year

The draft programme for the coming year appears later in this Newsletter. Many of the events of the past year and the coming year are the initiative of Keith Snow, who has worked hard to arrange a full calendar of events to appeal to branch members. I would appeal to members to attend some, or better still all, events to support Keith and other committee members who have made the effort to stage events for the membership.

You will be aware of the demise of the Dalmacalan Project, which provided an opportunity for BDS members who were wanting to achieve their DSC Level 2. So far this facility has not been replaced and the committee are considering the possibility of providing awareness training for members working towards their Level 2. In broad terms, awareness training provides training in the skills necessary to stalk deer, shoot, gralloch and prepare the carcass in line with the requirements of Level 2. It would be helpful to hear from suitably qualified members who might be interested in providing this training, and members who might find this kind of training useful.

The coming year will be an interesting one, at least from a deer perspective, with the proposed amalgamation of the DCS with SNH, and the Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill. The latter is extensive in its coverage, but the aspect that may be of relevance to deer stalkers is the proposed requirement for a register of competence. It is proposed that only persons on the register will be able to shoot deer unsupervised. It has been indicated that the entry to the register may be via the DSC Level 2 qualification. While the implementation of this proposal may be phased in over a period of time, the writing on the wall has been highlighted and stalkers might consider getting the qualifications in their own time before they are forced into obtaining them. The branch proposal for awareness training could be helpful in helping members obtain their Level 2. For members who have yet to qualify for the DSC Level 1 a course or assessment could be arranged and they should contact the Chair or Secretary.

Best wishes for 2010 and enjoyable stalking during the year.

Glen Heggs.

Newsletter & Electronic Mail.

We are actively looking at ways of reducing the cost of delivering the Newsletters and therefore only the autumn Newsletter will be posted, together with the notice of AGM. The remaining two newsletters will only be sent by email. Like it or not emails are here to stay...

Paper newsletters are very expensive to produce, labour intensive to send, and postage costs are rising. The cost of sending three newsletters per year is in excess of £550.00. The Branch Newsletters are now published on the main BDS web site www.bds.org.uk.south-west-scotland.html enabling everyone to have access to our events. Emails also allow the Secretary to forward timely reminders of Branch events at minimal cost. Email addresses will only be used to circulate Branch information. For those who have already supplied their emails thank you. For the remainder it is but a simple "click" away. Simply send an email to with BDS in the subject line and I shall do the rest. It is appreciated that not everyone has access to a computer and those members wishing to continue to receive a paper copy should contact the Secretary.

Small Advertisements.

It has been suggested that members might use the Newsletter to circulate items of a stalking nature, with a view to selling them on to other members. Please forward your adverts to the Secretary for inclusion in the next edition. A small donation will greatly assist publication. The Secretary will be the contact point and no telephone numbers or identities will be published. If there is no further uptake on this topic, it will be cancelled.

For Sale

Lee Safety Powder Scale £15.00 Lee Powder Measure £15.00

Lee .308Win dies £20.00 Hornady Custom Grade .308Win dies £25.00

The British Deer Society offer a free email service (Deerbytes) for updates on what is happening in the deer world. Simply email Sarah at HQ requesting to be added to the mailing list. Email:

Who's Who at HQ?

General Manager - Sarah Stride - responsible to the Board for the day to day management of the Society and its subsidiary companies.

Area Director England and Wales - David Kenyon - responsible for communications, media, operations, political lobbying, events and membership recruiting activity in England and Wales.

Training Manager - Dave Goffin - responsible for developing and managing Society courses and training initiatives.

Sales Administrator/PA - Sue Varvill - administers sales, assists with auctions and general enquiries and provides some PA support to the General Manager.

Training Coordinator - Cheryl Seymour - works within the training department administering all Society courses.

Membership Coordinator - Annie Nadin - runs membership administration and the Stalking Insurance scheme.

Finance Officer - Phillip Rosslee - responsible for accounting and daily accounting administrative duties.

BRITISH DEER SOCIETY

SOUTH WEST SCOTLAND BRANCH

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS 2010

All members of the BDS and their guests are very welcome to attend our events.

(Directions can be obtained from Keith Snow. Tel: 01461 206750)

Unless stated otherwise a charge of £2.50 will be made for all events

TAXIDERMY DEMONSTRATION

23^rd FEBRUARY - 19:30 at KEN BRIDGE HOTEL

Colin Scott of Border Taxidermy based in Hawick will offer a "how to do" presentation including what you need to do to preserve your medal category buck. If you desire to have your next gold medal shoulder mounted, this is for you. Colin will also demonstrate how to "cut your head" ready for mounting. Examples of Colin's work will be available for inspection. Colin also undertakes commissions.

ADVANCED MARKSMANSHIP DAY

20^th MARCH - 10:00 at PARTON RANGE

BDS Members only. All abilities welcome. This isn't a competition but an opportunity to advance your marksmanship skills for the welfare of your quarry. Pre booking and payment only - or no shooting!

To cover the hire of the range a charge of £10.00 is payable at the time of booking. Please forward cheques to the Secretary before the 1^st March. In the event of over-subscription a second day may be arranged.

This is a first for the Branch. Limited to 15 BDS members who have a FAC and deer legal rifle. The Tutor is a member of the Great Britain F/TR Rifle Team - a discipline that requires the utmost care and control in delivering the shot.

The day will begin in the classroom with a lecture on the skills of marksmanship: breath control, trigger, sight picture, follow through, reading the wind etc. A course of fire (you will need 40 rounds), ranging from 50 to 200 yards, has been designed to simulate woodland stalking. Plus, there will be a simulation of despatching a wounded deer with a second shot. This is an ideal opportunity to increase your level of ability to produce a perfectly placed shot and a clean kill. Full details will be forwarded to participants.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE

23^rd MARCH - 19:30 at KEN BRIDGE HOTEL

If you intend to shoot on any military, NRA/Bisley or BDS approved range you will need to hold a C of C, or you will need to be supervised on a one to one basis. There will be a briefing followed by a short multi choice paper. This isn't as complicated as it appears. The questions and answers are readily available on the BDS or NRA websites. Cost £10.00. The C of C lasts indefinitely and is renewable on an annual basis via BDS Training Department. Pre-booking is essential.

RANGE SUNDAYS AT PARTON

11^th April 9^th May 13^th June 11^th July

8^th August 12^th September 10^th October

Ready for range safety briefing at 11.30am. Late arrival will delay everyone - so don't do it!

Parton is a purpose built benchrest range that offers superb facilities for zeroing, or to spend time getting to know your rifle. Zeroing will be at 100 yards, followed by 200 yards, and various ranges off sticks, etc. If you simply wish to zero at 100 yards then that is fine. The day is very informal and a perfect opportunity to meet and greet. If you don't hold a Certificate of Competence (see above) you will be supervised when using the range.

POLICE FIREARMS ENQUIRY OFFICER

13^th APRIL - 19:30 at KEN BRIDGE HOTEL

Your opportunity to ask all those questions you wanted to ask when he was sitting in your front room - but you didn't have the nerve...

John Graham, the Manager of Dumfries and Galloway Police Firearms Licensing Department, will explain just what they do and what you need to do to ensure your grant/variation is dealt with as quickly as possible. Can you have a one for one variation while you wait? In Dumfries and Galloway, yes. John has a wealth of knowledge on firearms law and police policy concerning firearms and explosives. There will be ample opportunity to ask questions during the presentation

OTHER EVENTS FOR 2010

DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED

Activity Day - Cornharrow Estate, Dalry, near New Galloway. Planned for October.

Gralloching and carcass preparation, Best Practice Guidelines & professional butchery demonstration. For those aspiring to DSC Level 2 this is an opportunity to see the standard required and get hands-on. The butchery demonstration will open your eyes, and get the taste buds into overdrive. BBQ will be running alongside the butchery demonstration. Numbers will be limited and a place should be reserved as soon as possible with either the Chair or Secretary. The day is not limited to members, so non members are welcome to register. We intend advertising this event via RFD's and National Press. Pre-booking is strongly advised in view of the proposed changes under the Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill.

Deer Dog Training. A professional dog trainer will teach tracking skills. July/August

Bring your best friend or your dog. A practical session learning the basics of tracking a ground scent. Even if you do not currently use your dog for stalking, don't be put off as the day is intended to give all abilities the opportunity to use their nose. A trailing line or long lead is all that will be required. Scent trails will range from easy through to ruff or ruff -ruff. I know, I am so sad. Intimations of interest to the secretary please as this event takes a lot of preparation.

First Aid Training - Ken Bridge Hotel

"Emergency First Aid at Work" H&SE approved certificated course. As more and more stalking leases and syndicate memberships are requiring a first aid qualification Christine Maitland will be running a one day course. Cost £35.00. Numbers are limited and the course will be held at the Ken Bridge Hotel, New Galloway. Pre booked places only due to the requirement to register the course. Contact Maitland Rankin for further details.

Master Cutler - Ken Bridge Hotel - 9^th November 2010 at 7.30pm

What do you use for gralloching - Stanley blade, Gillette G3, bargain basement knife? There is no greater pleasure than dressing out your freshly shot deer with a custom made knife. Dennis Holland, bespoke knife maker and Master Cutler, will explain the differences between metal types for stalking knives and various handle materials. What is the difference between CM154, D2 or Micarta? What is the best metal for a stalking knife? What is the best profile? All will be explained. Dennis has hunted extensively in the USA. Examples of his work will be available to view or purchase and commissions can be undertaken thereby ensuring your knife is exactly what you want it to be. Possible the most important aspect of the evening will be a detailed examination of how to sharpen a knife to a mirror finish. Holland knives are used by hunters the world over. Having spent an afternoon with Dennis and playing with his wares (figure of speech) this will be an excellent evening. Dennis is driving up from Merseyside and a good turnout would be appropriate.

Awareness Training for DSC Level 2.

As Glen mentioned in his Chairman's Report, those members looking to progress from DSC Level 1 through to level 2 are faced with a multitude of concerns along the way. The Branch has members who hold Level 2, plus several who are Accredited/Approved Witnesses and are willing to assist you in gaining Level 2.

At the present time only one of the three Individual Cull Records is required to be completed in the presence of an Accredited Witness; the two remaining can be completed in the presence of a Credible Witness. This can be a DSC Level 2 holder or Industry Approved Witness such as a Meat Inspector or Vet. Commencing the 1^st June 2010 Credible Witnesses, including Level 2 holders will no longer be qualified to sign off portfolio's. Only Approved Witnesses will be able to sign off each Individual Cull Record.

The "plan" is to offer accompanied stalking to make you aware of the requirements of the performance criteria required and how you can achieve that standard. Before the Committee progress this idea, we would really like to check the range and identify how much demand there is likely to be. The proposed changes under the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act may cause a significant increase in the number of individuals seeking assessment. If you are interested in Awareness training or Level 1-2 training, please contact the Secretary asap.

Keith Snow, Secretary. Tel: 01461 206750

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South West Scotland Branch