Getting Into It.

[fitchet 788]

Alrite everyone. Ive just picked up some nice woodland permission originally for roost shooting pigeon and squrriels. There are a fair few munties a few roe and the odd fallow that pass through. Im thinking about getting FAC and setting up a few high seats but after chatting to a feller ive gone out with a few times he reckons i gotta do a course and stuff before i can shoot. So can anyone tell me the process from start to finish please ? All the best.

[Caprelous 217]

Hi Fitchet

 

First and foremost legally you dont need to carry out courses contrary to what you have been told to shoot deer and obtain a firearm certificate .

 

All you need is to show cause why you need it and you are of sound Character and are and have not got sobriety issues or of a violet nature or suffer mental health issues.

There is no mention in the Firearms act that an applicant has to have qualifications.

 

However there appears to be numerous police forces that seem to interpret the firearms act to suggest that you do.

 

However if it is your intention to take up deerstalking seriously then I suggest that this is the way forward, learning about the 6 species of deer and their life cycles and habitat can only make you more proficient in your chosen sport.

 

Should you wish to travel to Scotland for instance to most Forest companies insist that you hold at least DSC1 accreditation. this however does not relate to private land owners at present but if SNH have their way this is likely to be a fixed law, and it may be that in the foreseeable future English laws will follow suit.

 

My advice would be to get on the ladder now before it becomes compulsory nation wide.

 

A list of venue where these courses can be carried out can be found at the DMQ Website at

http://www.dmq.org.uk/

 

I can personally Recommend Barony College in Dumfrieshire as I know the assesor quite well should you require further information please feel free to contact me by P.M

Edited March 4, 2013 by Caprelous