Topics that will be covered over the five-day course are:

• Deer Species Identification
• Deer Biology and Ecology
• Stalking Techniques and Taking the Shot
• Safety and Practical Rifle Shooting
• The Law
• Species of deer found in the British Isles- Red / Sika / Fallow/ Roe / Muntjac / Chinese Water Deer
• Safety
• Deer Identification
• Damage Identification
• Rifles – Ballistics – Zeroing
• Taking the shot – Reaction to shot – Gralloching a deer
• Census – Records – Trophies – Cull selection
• Fencing – Highseats – Forest Design
• Law and Liabilities
• Equipment and use of dogs
• Range Tests
• Simulated Stalk

The three-day course culminates in a day of examinations designed to test the candidate’s knowledge of the topics covered. In addition, a range test is conducted to ensure that the candidate is accurate and humane when using a deer caliber rifle.

Successful candidates will be awarded the Deer Management Qualification Level One and are then able to register for the Level Two portfolio.

Duration:  3 days

Outcome:  Candidates acquire a suitable level of knowledge to pass the WDMQ Level 1 criteria

Certification:  Deer Management Qualification – Level One Certificate

Test:  Candidates will be assessed on both their theoretical and practical knowledge/ability.