DSC2
DSC2 is the Deer Stalking Certificate Level 2: evidence of competence in the field rather than an examination. It is built from 1 witnessed stalk, recorded on an Individual Cull Record and assembled into a portfolio a DMQ assessor verifies. DSC1 is what you need to stalk; DSC2 is what a lease in your own name asks for.
The real test
DSC2 is both exciting and a learning assessment. Under supervision of an accredited witness each candidate must show that they are in possession of the necessary knowledge and qualifications to identify the deer species correctly, approach the animal in the right way, dispatch the animal both safely and humanely and finally gralloch and examine the animal for any abnormalities. Everything is trained to be sure that each animal is brought hygienically into the food chain.
What is assessed
DSC2 carries performance criteria covering the correct selection of the animal, the use of correct safety procedures, humane dispatch of the selected animal, gralloching, control of the animal and its gralloch, green offal and carcase inspection including lymph nodes for any diseases, and finally bringing the animal to the larder and preparing it hygienically for the game dealer.
Where the stalk can be done
DSC2 can be done anywhere in the world, but only with one of the six UK deer species, and the whole process — the stalk, the cull and the gralloch — has to be done together with an accredited witness. You could take a roe deer in Denmark or a fallow in South Africa.
You can take the animal from a high seat, but you must also show that you can stalk. In the roebuck season, for example, you might stalk a roe doe to demonstrate the stalking criteria and take a buck from a high seat.
The portfolio, and what happens to it
When the Individual Cull Record is complete and the portfolio is filled in and signed by your accredited witness and yourself, it goes to the BASC Deer Assessment Centre. A DMQ assessor works through it and will ensure that all the evidence required has been achieved and that the evidence is authentic.
Candidates and witnesses should expect to be telephoned by an assessor, who may ask a number of questions. If a portfolio has been poorly witnessed there may be gaps in the evidence, and to fill these an assessor may have to ask an extensive number of questions. That is the argument for a witness who takes the recording seriously on the day rather than afterwards.
When the assessor is satisfied the evidence merits an award, they sign the portfolio off and forward it to an internal verifier, who checks that the assessor has done a competent job and that the recommendation is valid. A portfolio may then be selected for external verification. When the verifier is satisfied, the Assessment Centre applies to DMQ for the certificate.
Trained hunter status
DSC1 is the certificate that gets you on the ground: it is what a British landowner or the Forestry Commission asks for before letting you cull deer on theirs. DSC2 is the step beyond it, and the distinction is worth being clear about, because it is the one candidates most often get wrong. You do not need DSC2 in order to stalk. You need it to hold ground in your own name: Forestry England and Forest Land Scotland require DSC2 of the leaseholder and of everyone named on the licence as an authorised controller. With DSC2 you can also complete a game dealer declaration in your own name — date, time, location, your DMQ number and your observation on the health of the animal, as a trained hunter.
Common questions
What does DSC2 require?
DSC2 is built from a single witnessed stalk. You select the animal, take it safely and humanely, gralloch it, inspect the carcase and green offal, and deliver it to the larder. An accredited witness signs the Individual Cull Record. Anything that cannot be shown on the day can be completed on another occasion.
Where can I do the DSC2 stalks?
Anywhere in the world, provided the animal is one of the six UK deer species and an accredited witness is present for the whole process. A roe in Denmark or a fallow in South Africa both count.
Can I take the DSC2 animal from a high seat?
Yes, but not on its own. You must also demonstrate that you can stalk, and a high seat will not evidence that. Anything the day does not show is completed on another occasion and witnessed then.
What happens to my DSC2 portfolio?
It goes to the BASC Deer Assessment Centre, where an assessor checks the evidence is complete and authentic and may telephone you or your witness. An internal verifier then double-checks the assessor. The certificate is issued by DMQ.
Do I need DSC1 before DSC2?
Yes. DSC2 evidences in the field what DSC1 assessed in the classroom and on the range. You apply for the DSC2 portfolio after passing DSC1.
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