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DSC Level 1

- The backbone of deer stalking qualifications

 

Professional Training. Expert Instruction. The Right Preparation.

At Corinium, we believe that achieving your Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1 (DSC1) should be about more than simply passing an examination. Our three-day course is designed to give you the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence required to become a safe, competent, and responsible deer stalker.

As one of a select number of BASC-approved Trainers and Assessors, we pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards of training and assessment.

Our courses are delivered in a friendly and relaxed environment at The Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester, just six miles from our private shooting range. We combine professional instruction with a straightforward, no-nonsense approach — and, of course, a healthy amount of humour along the way.

 

A Course Designed Around You

The first two days are classroom-based, covering the essential knowledge required for the qualification. Rather than simply working through a syllabus, we aim to make the subject interesting, practical, and relevant to real-world deer management. On the third day, candidates undertake the three written examinations: Deer Identification, General and Game Meat Hygiene. We then move to our own private range for the practical Shooting and Safety assessments.

The practical assessments are conducted in small groups, creating a relaxed environment where candidates can concentrate on their shooting without the pressure of a large group.

 

Thorough Preparation

Your course materials are supplied when you register and contain everything you need to prepare for the written examinations. Home study is essential, and we recommend allowing 8–12 weeks for preparation. The amount of time required will vary from person to person, but we firmly believe that the better prepared you are, the more enjoyable and rewarding the course will be.

 

What’s Included

£350 per person - Three full days. Your course fee includes:

  • Comprehensive BASC DSC1 course manual
  • Revision notes
  • DVD covering deer ecology and recognition
  • Three days of professional tuition
  • Three written assessments, and the practical shooting and safety assessments.
  • A downloadable digital manual is also available directly from BASC. Please contact BASC on 01244 573018 for further information.

 

Added Value

When you book your DSC1 course with Corinium, you also receive member rates for our Shooting Test Tuition and Mock Tests, providing an excellent opportunity to prepare specifically for the practical assessment.

We also understand that examinations don’t always go to plan. Should you fail an individual module, we offer up to two individual module resits free of charge, when taken on one of our scheduled test days — a saving of £25.

 

Estate Rifle Available

If you do not have a suitable rifle, an estate rifle can be provided free of charge for the practical assessment. Ammunition is charged separately at £2.00 per round, with a minimum of 6 rounds and maximum of 12 rounds normally required for the test, plus a small number of rounds for practice.

 

Accommodation

For candidates travelling to attend the course, we can provide advice on local hotels and accommodation to help make your stay as straightforward as possible.

 

Assessment Only

For experienced candidates who already have the necessary knowledge and practical skills, an Assessment Only option is available. This allows you to undertake the DSC1 assessments without attending the three-day training course. While this option is available, we would only recommend it to candidates who are already fully prepared and confident in their ability to meet the required standard. Please contact us for further information and pricing.

 

Upcoming Course Dates

27th–29th November 2026 FULLY BOOKED – cancellation places only. Please enquire.

19th–21st March 2027 LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE

11th–13th June 2027 PLACES AVAILABLE

13th–15th August 2027 PLACES AVAILABLE

26th–28th November 2027 PLACES AVAILABLE

 

Secure Your Place

Deposit: £175 per person.  The balance of £175 is payable one month before the course.

If you’re looking for a professional, relaxed, and supportive route to achieving your DSC1, we’d be delighted to welcome you to Corinium

To book please email here, or call 07970 752275.

 

Testimonial from James, Devon. 08/04/24:

"Just finished my course here on Sunday. Fantastic course with a trainer who has a wealth of experience providing an education beyond the textbook. Sallyann makes sure everything runs smoothly and is full of help and knowledge. Kim who took me for my safety test was another fount of knowledge. The information is provided honestly and in a friendly informative way. I would have no hesitation in recommending Corinium. I travelled up from Devon to take the course and it was well worth the journey. The course is professionally run and I took advantage of some shooting training the day before with Paul. Expert and beginner stalkers would benefit."

 

Cancellation, Rescheduling and Reallocation Policy

Should there be insufficient bookings, we reserve the right to cancel, or where possible reschedule, the course. In the interests of fairness we will aim to notify candidates of cancellation/rescheduling as soon as possible before the advertised start date. In the event of a candidate being unable to make the rescheduled date a full refund may be given, less the cost of the training pack. We strongly recommend that any accommodation you book is on a refundable basis, as we will not be responsible for any losses incurred in the event of the course being cancelled. If for any reason you cancel your place on the course then the following charges will apply:- Reallocation to another course more than 3 calendar months before the course start date £25. Cancellation more than 3 calendar months before the course start date £50. Reallocation less than 3 calendar months £100. Cancellation less than 3 calendar months but more than 6 calendar weeks £175. Cancellation less than 6 calendar weeks before the course start date £200. Please note that there will be a non-returnable charge of £60 for the training pack in the event of cancellation. Reallocation must be scheduled within a calendar year of the original course date for the above charges to apply. Other scenarios or exceptional circumstances considered.