Your stalking journey
From your first stalk to your DSC2, in the order most people take it. Some steps are ours and you can book them here. Others are independent providers we are happy to point you to, and we take no commission from those. Tap a step to open it.
How Watermeadow fits in. We run the practical steps: first stalks, guided and unaccompanied stalking, and witnessed stalks for the DSC2. For everything else we point you to trusted independent providers. You do not have to do it all with us, and you can join at any step.
1Try it
Not sure stalking is for you? Start with a first stalk or an experience day. A guide takes you out, shows you what stalking involves and answers your questions, so you know what you are getting into before you spend money on a rifle or a course.
A first stalk is three hours, with rifle use, some ammunition and basic instruction on marksmanship and safety. An experience day is a full six hours: it starts with range time and instruction on safety and marksmanship, and includes rifle use, some ammunition, lunch, and the carcass if you want to take the venison home. Prices are on each product page.
2Your firearm certificate and first rifle
To stalk deer with your own rifle you need a firearm certificate from your local police force. Every force uses the same national application form, which you will find on your own force's website. This is general information, not an application service, and some items are open to each force's interpretation, so always check with yours (police.uk will help you find it).
Our step-by-step guide to applying is written to be used alongside your own force's published guidance.
What forces generally ask for
- A completed application form and a passport-style photograph.
- Two referees who have known you personally for at least two years.
- A report from your GP. The doctor may charge a fee.
- Secure storage for your rifle and ammunition. The police will inspect your security arrangements before a certificate is granted.
- A good reason for each rifle, and details of the land where you have permission to shoot (see below).
- The fee. Fees vary and are rising, so check your force's website. Most forces will send you an online payment link.
What counts as good reason
Whilst there are generally accepted 'good reason' justifications for applying for a firearm, they vary by force, so please see our guide for further details. Commonly accepted examples for deer stalking, alone or in combination:
- Written permission from a landowner, or membership of a shooting syndicate, either of which says you may shoot deer.
- Evidence of booked paid stalking.
- A letter from a friend who has permission on land and the right to take guests.
- A DSC1 certificate on its own.
- Evidence you can handle a rifle safely: a formal course, or a letter from an experienced stalker who will mentor you.
A certificate usually lasts five years. Waiting times vary widely between forces. Around 18 months is typical, with some forces taking longer and some less, depending on things like local demand, the licensing department's budget and staffing. Apply well before you need it. In Scotland, applications go to Police Scotland, so read their guidance.
Choosing your first rifle
You cannot take a rifle home until your certificate covers it, so choose and buy once you have it.
3Rifle training
A deer rifle is only as good as the person behind it. Before you stalk, get time on a range with an instructor. Learn to zero, shoot from sticks and prone, and build the habits that keep you safe and make your shots humane.
You do not need a club membership or a firearms certificate to get started. Many ranges run pay and play sessions: you book a slot, the range supplies the rifle and ammunition, and a range officer or instructor supervises you. It is a good way to find out whether you enjoy rifle shooting, and to get coaching, before you commit to applying for a certificate. Terms differ from range to range, so check what each one offers before you book.
4Guided stalking
Now put it into practice by booking a guided stalk with us. Your guide will meet you on their ground and continue your learning with an accompanied deer stalk. Prices and shot fees are on every product page, so you know the cost before you book.
5DSC1 or PDS1
The DSC1 (Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1) and the PDS1 (Proficient Deer Stalker Certificate Level 1) are entry-level deer stalking qualifications, aimed at people who are new to stalking or who want a recognised qualification. Courses cover the deer species found in the UK, field safety, shot placement and ballistics, and game meat hygiene, and you are assessed on all of it, including a shooting test. The DSC1 is the Deer Management Qualifications certificate, taken through BASC, the NGO and other approved centres. The PDS1 is the Shooting & Hunting Academy's own certificate, with online theory and a practical assessment signed off by an Approved Verifier. They are separate certificates, so pick the provider and format that suits you.
| Provider | Certificate | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| BASC | DSC1 | A three-day course with classroom teaching and assessments (written, deer identification, game meat hygiene, a safety walk and a shooting test). An online theory option is also listed. |
| NGO | DSC1 | Two or three days through approved training providers, or a one-day option covering only the exam and shooting assessment. |
| Ranges and training providers | DSC1 | Some ranges and training centres also run the DSC1 themselves, such as Corinium Rifle Range, Calton Moor Range and Newavon Arms. Our rifle ranges page lists the ranges we know of. |
| Shooting & Hunting Academy | PDS1 | Online modules, classes and exams, then a practical assessment with an Approved Verifier in your area. |
Pre-DSC1 preparation with Watermeadow
Want help before you sit the test? Our pre-DSC1 session is three hours with Rich or James, shaped around what you need: help with deer identification, talking through safety, or range time to get your shooting up to standard. Rifle use and 10 rounds are included. It is available in the RG7 and SN6 areas. If you want the full three hours on a range, we will arrange a suitable one separately at no extra range fee, which may affect where it takes place. One of our pre-DSC1 guides, James Sivel, is a DSC1 assessor, so you are preparing with someone who assesses the test himself and knows what it takes to pass. If you are aiming for the DSC1, book the preparation session with us first, then take the certificate with the provider of your choice.
6Unguided stalking
With your DSC1 or PDS1 behind you, you now qualify to stalk unaccompanied on Watermeadow ground, if you feel confident to do so. Many stalkers keep booking guided stalks for a while first, and that is perfectly fine. Take it at your own pace.
Unaccompanied stalking is for stalkers with a rifle, a certificate and the experience to go out alone. You pay as you go from £75, or book a half day from £99 or a full day from £199. Shot fees depend on the ground and are set out on each listing, and bucks are charged at the rates on our shot fees page.
7DSC2 and your witnessed stalk
Some stalkers go on to a higher level of qualification. They may want to bid for forestry and other deer management contracts, which often ask for it, or simply to improve their own knowledge and craft. The DSC2 is the next step.
The DSC2 is not a course. BASC describes it as a portfolio of evidence: you register, complete one stalk accompanied by an Approved Witness, and submit your write-up. Witness fees are separate from registration, and a witnessed stalk with us has one clear price.
Witnessed stalk with Watermeadow
| Where | Price | Length |
|---|---|---|
| On Watermeadow ground | £295 | 3 hours |
| On your own ground | £150 | 3 hours |
Shot fees and venison are extra on Watermeadow ground.
Our Approved Witnesses
| Approved Witness | Area |
|---|---|
| Dan Bistacchi | Yorkshire |
| Royce Kirkley | Yorkshire |
| James Sivel | Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Somerset (Bristol based) |
| Pierre Driver | Hertfordshire and surrounding counties, including Buckinghamshire |
James Sivel is also a DSC1 assessor and one of our pre-DSC1 guides.
More Level 2 witnesses to follow. Not sure who covers you? Tell us your county when you book and we will match you.
Registering for the DSC2
Register for the DSC2 through the BASC or NGO website. Both offer the portfolio route.
These are independent providers. We take no commission from them and are not responsible for their courses, prices or service, so please check the details with each one. Information about firearm certificates is general guidance only. Rules and processes vary by police force and country.