Each month we provide you with a useful guide to what is going on in the world of deer stalking.
As things start to ramp up into the autumn, here at County Deer Stalking we are also stepping things up a notch.
Deer Stalking in the UK is 365 days a year however, there is no doubt that the deer season proper is September through to end of November, because it is these three months that encapsulate some of the very best sport that the UK has to offer, along with the ruts for all of the big three, Sika, Red & Fallow.
In order, the autumn ruts kick-off in September with Sika, followed by Red in October and then Fallow in late October early November, during which month the females of all species are also in season.
Autumn is far and away my favourite time to be hunting, there is a lot going on and we have got it all covered, with events that capture the highlights of all three species in the very best locations during the height of the respective ruts. We have Sika in Dorset, Red in the Scottish Highlands and Fallow in the New Forest and we are expecting a huge demand in the coming weeks and months.
Its not just events and stalk outings that we need to meet demand for, it is also training. With Deer Stalking still one of the fastest growing field sports, beginners are getting involved in the sport every day.
Recognising the need to meet increased demand, whilst ensuring that high standards of deer management are maintained, we are delighted to have recently received nationally recognised accreditation of the hugely popular ‘Proficient Deer Stalker Certificate’ (PDS1) by both the two main, land-based awarding bodies UK Rural Skills and LANTRA, who are themselves recognised by Ofqual and accredited by the British Standards Institute. What’s more, in line with the changing times, the accreditation extends to the e-learning version of the PDS1 Certificate via the ‘Hunting Academy’ online platform.
For the world of deer stalking, this is a complete game-changer, no longer do you have to wait weeks or even months to attend a classroom-based course in the back of beyond. You can enrol today and complete the course at a time and place that suits you.
With accreditation and the ability to be able to deliver the PDS1 via e-learning, we are now able to reach a national audience, but we need your help.
Whilst it is possible to deliver the knowledge-based element of the course online, we need to appoint Approved Verifiers (AV’s) in all areas of the UK, to help assess PDS1 candidates’ skills. If you have PDS2, DSC2 are a professional stalker, range officer or equivalent, then we invite you to put these skills to good use and register your details with us. The following short film explains more: pds1-approved-verifier-course
Of course, for many hunters one of the other highlights of the autumn calendar is Boar shooting and here again we have something truly epic for you.
CEO of Blaser UK Frederic Hanner also happens to be one of the world’s most highly acclaimed driven boar shots and exclusively available through the Hunting Academy, he has delivered a true Masterclass on driven boar shooting. So, if you are heading to the continent to shoot driven boar this autumn this is a complete no-brainer. Click here to watch the trailer and enrol today: driven-boar-shooting-masterclass
All things considered, here at County Deer Stalking I am truly proud to be involved with meeting the demand for high quality training and hunting and wish to extend my thanks for your continued support and best wishes for the coming season.
IN Season in England & Wales: Roebuck, Fallow Buck, Red & Sika Stag, Muntjac Buck & Muntjac Doe.
OFF Season in England & Wales: Roe Doe, Fallow Doe, Sika Hind, Red Hind, CWD Buck & CWD Doe.
IN Season in Scotland: Roebuck, Red Stag, Sika Stag, Fallow Buck.
OFF Season in Scotland: Roe Doe, Fallow Doe, Sika Hind, Red Hind.
(Peter Jones - Editor)
