DSC2 Training | ICR Practical

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Training & Witnessing

DSC1 & DSC2 Training — Assessed to the standard, not around it.

If you’re preparing for DSC2 and want to know exactly what the assessment standard looks like in the field, not in a document, this is where to start.

David holds BASC Assessor status and is a DMQ Approved Witness. He assesses other candidates nationally. That means the preparation he delivers reflects the actual standard, not a rough approximation of it.

Deer stalking certificate (dsc1)

Those completing the course successfully will be awarded the Deer Management Qualifications, Deer Stalking Certificate 1 and the large game theory element of DMQ Wild Game Meat Hygiene.

To gain full Large Game Trained Hunter status to meet the Food Hygiene Regulations 2004, individuals will need to undertake the DSC2 after successful completion of DSC1.

DSC1 Training Course

All courses are run by BASC

Cost – £335 for BASC members

The Deer Stalking Certificate (DSC1) is a four-day course designed for any shooters who have recently taken up stalking and are seeking further advice and guidance.

The course will provide an insight into, and a wider understanding of, deer stalking techniques and deer management.

South East Course Dates

Wadhurst 9-11th April 2026

Worthing 14-17th May

Wadhurst 25-28th June – Available

Wadhurst 17-20 Sep – Available

Worthing 1-4th Oct – Available

DSC1 Online Theory

All courses are run by BASC

Cost – £335 for BASC members

The Deer Stalking Certificate (DSC1) is the UK’s first 100% online DSC1 theory course. It has been specially designed to be studied anywhere, at any time. BASC are proud to offer the most accessible pathway to both professional and recreational deer stalking in the UK.

Whether you’re new to deer stalking or looking to build your previous experience into a recognised qualification, our DMQ accredited online course has been developed with modern life in mind. DSC1 Online means you can learn more with BASC at your pace, and from the comfort of your own home.

The training delivered through the course is Lantra approved, meaning our course meets the standards expected for professional development in the field. You’ll also receive a certificate of attendance from Lantra once you have completed the learning modules.

Deer stalking certificate (dsc2)

“DMQ strongly recommends that candidates obtain sufficient practical experience under the guidance of a competent person before registering for DSC2 or considers some of the preparatory training provided by some Assessment Centers for DSC2.
Candidates are also advised to consult the Best Practice Guides issued for England and Wales or the Best practice Guides for Scotland, depending on where you live or stalk.”

DSC2 Preparation Course

All courses run by BASC Assessor & DMQ Witness

Cost – £150

This DSC2 preparation course is designed to remove uncertainty and make the standard clear. If you are reading the criteria and thinking, “I get it, but I’m not sure what it looks like on a real assessment”, this session is for you.

It is a focused half day, delivered in a classroom setting, either one to one or in a small group. We work through the four elements and all 26 ICR criteria in a structured way, with the emphasis on what assessors actually expect to see and hear, not just what people assume is required.

You will leave with a clearer sense of readiness, the common pitfalls to avoid, and a straightforward plan for tightening up the areas that typically catch candidates out. With an in-depth understanding of each element, the:

During the course, we cover:

Plan & Stalk
Culling
Prepare & Inspection
Transport & Storing

Each stage is broken down, as well as each performance criteria. It’s not just the theory, but the reasoning, the requirement, and legislation behind each performance criteria.

Building a solid foundation for your witnessed ICR experience.

Practical DSC2 Training Course

All courses run by BASC Assessor & DMQ Witness

Cost – £125

The Practical ICR Course builds directly on the foundation of the DSC2 Preparation Course. This session is a true “dry run” of the Individual Cull Record (ICR), allowing for full interaction between the learner and assessor throughout each phase.

It provides an opportunity to ask questions, identify potential errors, and refine performance before undertaking the formal DSC2 ICR assessment.

Conducted entirely in the field, this practical course focuses on applying and demonstrating the four key elements of the ICR under realistic conditions:

During the course, we cover in practice:

Plan & Stalk – preparation, planning, safety, and ethical considerations before the stalk
Culling – approach, shot placement, follow up and fieldcraft in real stalking scenarios
Prepare & Inspection – demonstrating hygiene, accuracy, notifiable diseases and best practice
Transport & Lardering – carcass handling, traceability, and presentation to FSA standard

Each stage is observed and reviewed in real time, with professional feedback and mentoring to fine-tune your approach.

The result is a confident, well-prepared candidate ready to complete the live DSC2 assessment to a high standard.

Note – This is entirely a practical field base course

As an Approved Witness & BASC Assessor, I am frequently approached by prospective candidates interested in enrolling for their DSC Level 2. Many express uncertainty about their readiness for the certification, often feeling overwhelmed by the requirements or unsure about their level of competence due to lack of previous assessments.

“We aim to change that perspective”

Approved Witnessing

As a DMQ Approved Witness candidates can arrange an ICR outing with myself for an accompanied witnessed stalk.

Either

On my ground (Sussex Area)
On your own ground
Cost £125

“I believe your Level 2 experience should be a memorable, relaxed and most importantly an enjoyable experience”

Please get in touch to discuss availability for a witnessed stalk, or if there is anything else we can help you with in achieving your DSC Level 2

“At Deer Management Services, I love helping people build their skills and confidence out in the field. Whether you’re completely new, brushing up on existing knowledge, or just keen to tap into the experience I’ve gained over the years, I’ll meet you where you are and help you get to where you want to be.

My approach is relaxed but thorough — practical, hands-on learning in real situations. I focus on helping you understand why things matter as much as how to do them, so you leave not just more capable, but genuinely confident in your own ability.”

Advice & Help

Just some of the things covered

Gralloch & Inspection – Learning how to implement the gralloch, be it a ground, suspended or a hill gralloch in an efficient and hygienic manner to cope with any circumstances or terrain you may find yourself in.

Pre Mortem Inspection – What to look for before you cull a deer

Post Mortem Inspection – Inspection of the grolloch, pluck and carcass after Evisceration. The correct identification & location of the required lymph glands, inspection of these and what to look for in diseased animals.

Notifiable Diseases – What to look for and what to do if you find a notifiable disease

Ballistics – Identification & advice of a suitable ammunition in regards to the calibre of rifle and zero range.

Reloading – Training & advise on all aspects of reloading. First timer to experienced, setup, preparation to load development.

Land Assessment – Assessing new land to stalk and shoot effectively and safely

Firearms Assessment – Firearms assessment including shooting techniques, maintenance & safety – help on deciding the best calibre

Mentoring – Registered with Sussex Police as a “Mentor” I am able to offer mentorship in assistance with your FEO requirments.