Mandatory Qualification Is Madness

Rarely has there been a more serious threat to those of us who manage deer.
It is a threat that could very well impact on your ability to continue to stalk in Scotland and, perhaps, in time, in England.
The threat comes from the Scottish Government, which is entertaining proposals made by its Deer Working Group to implement a register of competent stalkers, which politicians take to mean mandatory qualification to be able to stalk deer in Scotland.
A Nature.scot consultation - launched on 5th January 2024 and which ends on 29th March - is considering proposals to enshrine in law the requirement that everyone shooting deer unaccompanied in Scotland, has the same basic level of training, akin to that of a Deer Stalking Certificate Level One.
Please act now - consult.gov.sc...
Follow this link to enrol on the Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1 (PDS1) Course: www.shootingan......
Or if you would like to learn more about becoming a member of Capreolus Club please visit: www.capreolusc... Check out Courses and Masterclasses delivered by the industry experts on Shooting & Hunting Academy: www.huntingaca... If you would like to learn more about County Deer Stalking then visit: www.countydeer... Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone]

[@samtruesdale6348]

Im a DSC lvl 2 stalker who now lives in Canada.I could comment on the difference between Canada and the UK on training etc but mandatory training in Scotland has nothing to do with conservation, deer welfare etc. It has more to do with ending stalking and gun ownership.

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

I hate to say it, but I think that may be the long term objective. Its really important therefore that people complete the consultation and make their thoughts known.

[@andrewadam9544]

@@CountydeerstalkingCoUk i agree its about removing stalking and gun ownership and will then leave the road open for their proposed "hit squads" as i like to call them, they are talking about sending in assessors without owners/leaseholders permissions, evaluating how well they are managing deer on their shoots, deciding they dont do it well enough (as in cull numbers ) then sending in their own teams regardless if you like it or not

[@kris308100]

Many thanks for this video. I couldn't agree with you more. I live in England and have been managing a Deer Park in Wales since 2007. I completed my DSC Level 1 in 2007 in order mostly to obtain the food hygiene requirements. Some years later I applied for DSC Level 2 as another string to my bow. I didn't have to have it to continue managing the park. I was told by my appointed referee that all of the experience I had in managing deer, shooting, gralloching etc counted for nothing and what I did "wasn't stalking". He said that he would have to see me physically crawl through undergrowth to shoot a deer on 3 occasions at £80 a time to qualify as a witnessed stalk and gain my level 2. At this point in time I had shot over 400 deer and provided in depth evidence of my experience in this job. I had photos, videos, letters from game dealers and park owners to prove I was worthy of level 2. I was told it counted for nothing. The conclusion I reached was that the level 2 was a pure money making scheme by making me pay out up to £210 for "witnessed stalks". Naturally I refused their demands and didn't get the Level 2. Today I still manage the park and have shot and gralloched over 800 deer now. But in the eyes of the so called experts I am not qualified enough to stalk deer in Scotland and presumably elsewhere. What you are talking about now is the same as its always been but now on another level. They are not interested in deer welfare and who is good enough to do the job. They just want to make money out of people. This should be stopped and you have my support.

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience, you are quite right. Qualifications and training should be for those that actually need them, not just a mandatory tick box.

[@kris308100]

@@CountydeerstalkingCoUk Thank you for your reply. Your videos are much appreciated my myself and many others. Please keep up the good work.

[@Srriflery9681]

Kris, I think you met up with a poor AW by the sounds of it who was in it for the money exclusively. Sorry you had that experience. There are AWs out there who do not charge at all or may only charge expenses and are motivated differently to Mr Bad Egg that you were unfortunate to meet!

[@kris308100]

Many thanks for your reply. Maybe you are right. I still have the folder I put together but that was some time ago. In my opinion it should still be valid. I don't suppose you could recommend someone could you who would help me?.

[@LiquidColourDesignBallycarry]

I know of one person been awarded their level 2 or their portfolio filled in without actually doing a single cull for the record because they where in total cahoots with the accredited witness… This accredited witness was supposedly going to complete one of my cull records but unfortunately I had to fill it in myself and use this cull as a totally separate cull record as they didn’t have a clue on completing in correctly. Totally corrupt, you scratch my back bs… this accredited witness was in position which would surprise a lot of people.. this was over 20 years ago

[@nicknak252000]

Well said and many thanks for supporting the honest man trying to make a living

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

Appreciate the comment, thanks.

[@garysmitherman]

Interesting Video. Qualification does not equal experience. As we have discovered in these modern times and the drive for qualification in all professional bodies standards have dropped in the belief that my qualification outweighs your experience. It will be interesting how this develops in the Cities of government where the educated elite (tongue in cheek) make the decisions.

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

Thanks for the comment Gary, completely agree.

[@stephenhankey688]

Completely detrimental to scotlands rural economy and traditions, many many deer managers learning there craft, from the generations that came before them, tragic to see this happen.

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

Thanks Stephen, lets all please make sure that we complete the survey, saying just that.

[@colinjohnston5465]

Detrimental to rural Scotland's traditions and economy is exactly why they're doing it.

[@robertpain3480]

At 67 years old having stalked since 14 years of age learning from my uncle’s gamekeeper did DS1for food hygiene this I an absolute insult I have seen people with DS2 who were clueless out in the field

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

Agreed Robert, please make sure that you make your feelings known in the consultation. Thanks for watching.

[@robertpain3480]

@@CountydeerstalkingCoUk just sent a long message to basc they need to become more clarkson and less countryfile also the last 2 times I’ve been to Germany boar shootingthere hunting licence people won’t accept there insurance I really question are the basc interested in there membership or rolling over to every thing lead ban snares the list goes on

[@kris308100]

Yep not what you know but who you know. And if you have money your in.

[@user-gf8hs2px4x]

I applaud you for standing for the rights of all all stalkers. As a supplier of your own qualifications it’s incredibly brave to take the stand you have. Well done

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

Thanks for saying that, I think it's important to stand up for everyone in our industry.

[@hammyh1165]

I have DSC level 1 and I also have college SVQ qualifications that are higher than level 2 and are deemed worthless and not recognised by those that run DSC qualifications. I also was a professional stalker at one point , under the proposal I probably wouldn't meet the fit and competent criteria. I will certainly fill out the consultation.

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

Thanks for the comment, I think that what is a great shame, is that institutions like BASC and BDS only recognise their own qualifications, because that is how they make money. It is my view that they should be impartial and recognise qualifications and experience, no matter where they are obtained.

[@dougblease5170]

Page 21 of the consultation gives more clarity. A register of qualified people, including those deemed fit and competent by following good practice (therefore all the experienced people referenced in this video would meet that description). This register is for all those that need to apply for licensed activities such as out of season, night shooting and deer drives. Doesn’t seem particularly crazy to me.

[@dougblease5170]

Ah this is the description of the current situation. Indeed- seems OTT in the following pages. I do agree that anyone managing deer under NatureScot licensing should be qualified and competent. But blanket expectations on stalking for the average recreational person seems over the top, unenforceable and futile.

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

In fact, if you take a closer look, the consultation specifically asks the question whether all those stalking unaccompanied should have a deer stalking qualification. We think that is over zealous and bureaucratic!

[@dougblease5170]

Theoretically education and training is good. Everyone can learn something and continue to develop with future refresher. But access to this needs to be fair and financially supported.

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

@@dougblease5170 and I would add, that there should not be a monopoly on training, which BASC and BDS would like, or else the costs will spiral!

[@TMFShooting]

Another Interesting Video 💯 Thank you 💥💥💥💥💥💥💥

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

Thanks fro watching.

[@andrewadam9544]

one point i'd like to make ref the govt coming on to grounds and taking over any control then re charging the owner / lease holder for the exercise. As the deer is recognised as not being property or being owned by anyone ! then how can the govt possibly seek to recoup any costs, deer are free to roam and are transient , you could do an excellent control job, a govt lackie (assessor) comes along and disagrees and your instantly wrong, then have hit squads on your ground for up to 28 days at a time and you then have to pay the costs ! seems like possible extortion to me ! this is all about their crazy re wilding ideas pushed by the green coalition and the fact they actually believe they can re plant and extend the caledonian forests across the width of Scotland as they were pre the last ice age ! deer dont fit in with that re planting scheme

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

I think that would certainly be a valid concern if you are a landowner. Especially as acceptable levels of browsing will be a subjective opinion. That is to say, what the landowner may feel is an acceptable population and level of browsing, when off set against sporting returns, may be very different to what is deemed to be acceptable by the Scottish Gov', who will be prioritising their agenda for rewilding, over and above the landowners desire to seek some remuneration from sport.

[@user-id3ju6or5k]

In my seventies and still enjoying my stalking, i hasten to add, no paperwork, looked after the same ground in east sussex for many years, i was hoping it would be my decision when to stop, when my body says enough, i hope that will remain the case, i was mentored for my open ticket which again i hope will see me through. Lets hope common sense will prevails

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

Sadly, you are exactly the sort of person that the legislation, BASC and BDS seek to exclude from stalking, and exactly the sort of stalker that we want to stand up for. I hope that you'll take time to respond to the consultation. Thanks for watching.

[@colinjohnston5465]

Well said, Peter. Another example of the "lawfare" being waged by the current Green/SNP regime in Holyrood. Once in place, legislation like this will never be repealed and will only ever be tightened with opportunities for new entrants being lost. As an aside, what happens if farmers want to control deer on their ground? Do they become criminals for shooting a deer without having a qualification. The Scottish Executive is a mess and the vandalism they are wrecking on rural Scotland may never be repaired.

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

Entirely correct Colin, thanks for contributing.

[@dominicjohnson8427]

Yet again proposals are being put forward that could damage the Scottish economy and indeed damage the ability to adequately control deer numbers north of the border, the mind boggles, as someone that holds a level 2 qualification I believe training and education is a good thing in any profession or pastime but a law that leaves the door open to unfairly generate money repeatedly from the same group of people is unacceptable

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

I think it certainly has the potential to create a monopoly, which is never good for the consumer.

[@erichuntter2437]

I couldn't agree more with you .... i don't have a DSC i only take 4 - 8 Roe deer a year off my farm full the freezer

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

Hi Eric, that's my point exactly. This legislation will stop local people like you from having a local interest in their deer populations. You won't be allowed to shoot them and then they'll send someone on to your land to shoot them for you and charge you for the privilege! Thanks for your input and make sure that you respond to the consultation!

[@erichuntter2437]

@CountydeerstalkingCoUk Hi Peter This doesn't sound good at all !! Scotland is completely went down hill between stopping snaring fox's,, am going need get phone my hunting insurance SACS and find out what they are doing about this ... am I better off doing my DSC just be on the safe side Peter?

[@opsoverseas]

More government control? The grant of an FAC should be enough. Scots government is losing what support i had for it, after the recent folly of open season changes, its off the rails.

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

Agreed, I can't help but feel that these changes are ill considered and that we'll all be paying the price for years, for flawed policy making.

[@dlz90]

Agreed I also have the paperwork but this is different Some paperless stalkers could well educate the training providers. Personal freedoms must be protected at all costs. D

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

Agreed, beware the tide of increasing legislation and bureaucracy!

[@marks1014]

I doubt it. They 'may' know as much but they certainly won't know more than the training providers.

[@dlz90]

​​@@marks1014 Fair point but like I said stalkers brought into the job by generations before them, having started at an early age guided by those who have learned in the bitter hard field of experience don't need this beuartic nonsense. They have enough to contend with, but as mentioned this is taking away from our personal choice and freedom where will it stop.

[@marks1014]

@@dlz90 You could say that about every course and qualification that we have to do in all of our day jobs. Pushing against the tide will always result in you drowning. It's the way of the world and better to sort yourself out with qualifications before the enevitable happens. Saying you know it all is crazy because there isn't a man out there who knows it all. You can always learn something. Half of these old boys who claim to have been stalking for 50 years have probably been doing certain parts of it wrong for the whole time. How often do you hear people say "well I haven't killed anyone yet" like it's something impressive. You go on a game shoot and it's highly likely that the most dangerous gun is an old boy who hasn't killed anyone yet!

[@dlz90]

​@@marks1014 No one can say they know it all and no amount of paperwork will give you know it all status either. I'm not talking about the old guy who sports a firearm dangerously there are plenty of them about and many much younger and many who get qualifications without any experience whatsoever.. I'm talking about professional stalkers who know this game better than most, who started early and have learned through the hard bitter experience. Look I agree getting a qualified certificate of competency is a good thing, but I think it should be a personal choice I've level one and two done many years ago now and looking back enjoyed the experience. Anyway we can agree to disagree it's a personal choice for me and I feel should be for everyone else otherwise where does it stop. Anyway just my tuppence worth Good luck D

[@rinaldiaars5443]

How terrible; what a blow this would be to those who want to get into stalking. What, if any, effect this actually has on conservation is questionable.

[@richardmonson8657]

I thought only US politicians could only be so inept as to come up with such as idea. Seems like a law searching for a justification. Good luck mates…🇺🇸

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

Thanks Richard, appreciate your input.

[@robertpain3480]

Had a reply off basc trying to pass the buck excuse the pun saying landowners requirement not basc I really worry that is an organisation that represents us what about the stalkers of 65 plus on limited income who make financial sacrifices for a bit of sport

[@marks1014]

Don't we all make financial sacrifices? The 65 plus stalkers likely don't have mortgages or kids to pay for.

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

Robert, that is utter rubbish from BASC. In, all the years that I have done this, I have never had a land owner specifically ask for a deer stalking certificate. As long as the police have authorised your firearms certificate to shoot deer, you have insurance, and they like you, that is all landowners are concerned about, which is fair enough. If I do offer something, I tend to volunteer my LANTRA certificate, because on the whole, this is an awarding body which farmers and landowners are familiar with, along with a copy of my insurance, which I get from 'Clivedon'. I am afraid BASC's comments are self serving.

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

@@marks1014 I think you are being very harsh here Mark, you'll be 65 one day. Pensioners are often on fixed incomes and will be reluctant to go back into education, just to carry on what they are already doing, more than likely, they will just give up. If you want proof, just read some of the responses to this film. Of course this is then counterproductive because fewer deer will be shot by local people, many of whom are very experienced.

[@andrewadam9544]

basc now run a dsc stalkers registry.......as long as your a basc member that is ! what about all the other dsc holders who are with other organisations or like me , left basc as they dont have my interest at heart ! if your going to run a dsc registry then it has to be open to all dsc holders not just your members

[@marks1014]

@@andrewadam9544 What about the others? It's called 'member benefits'. Do you think that members of BASC should be entitled to the benefits of your organisation? Your argument makes no sense at all. BTW, it's 'you're' and not 'your'.

[@roberthutter1841]

Wow that’s worrying

[@dominicohea5624]

Your. Right. In what. You say. And deserve. To. Be supported

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

Thanks Dominic, please make sure that you complete the consultation survey

[@RickConnolly]

In Scotland we are indeed fortunate to have an abundance of hunting/stalking opportunities on our doorstep. There is little I believe in and trust with our snp government but I do agree that there needs to be a level of qualification required to first of all gain a FAC to then go hunting/stalking anything. And it’s not to put another level of buroqracey in place it’s to ensure good and safe hunting practise. There are indeed vast numbers of hunters and stalkers more than qualified to manage deer far better than anyone with L1/L2 and rather than have them go through the process recognition of that is surely a simple matter of time served or eg Thurso College. We’ve had these deer qualification running for decades and serious hunter/stalkers outside the professional stalkers have made the effort to gain a qualification. Just on weapon handling alone there is a need, in the past an FAC could be gained by having a piece of ground and off you go to shoot deer - that’s a crazy situation. A safe level of competence would I feel create a greater confidence when required for our armchair politicians who are averse to country pursuits. I do not agree with any of the other proposals being banded by the snp on managing our flora and fauna.

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

Thanks for taking the time to let us know your thoughts.

[@horseguy1230]

I can't agree with what you are saying here, though I do think those with enough experience should be given exemptions. There are plenty of countries in Europe that require hunters to pass an exam before given a hunting licence. I have hunted in a few of those and have to say that their standards of management and ethics are often higher than ours. I can't see how being able to prove you know what you are doing before being let loose on the deer population with a firearm is a bad thing. Some people don't like change I guess..

[@marks1014]

Experience cannot be quantified I'm afraid so exemptions should not and will not be considered.

[@horseguy1230]

@@marks1014 Are you the guy that decides this? If there is a will to quantify it I am certain it could be done. That said, its not that hard to pass a DSC 1, and certainly the shooting test should be considered the absolute minimum standard.

[@marks1014]

@@horseguy1230 I might have a say in it? Please explain how experience could be quantified in your eyes as I'm interested in your thoughts? Nearly every novice I know over eggs their experience and ability. Shooting 100 deer from a highseat is not the same as stalking fallow across countryside covered in footpaths. Qualifications are all the same.

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

Regrettably, there will be no exemptions if this becomes law, in which case countless highly skilled deer managers will be lost, something that is entirely counterproductive to the aims of the Scottish government to get deer numbers down.

[@horseguy1230]

@@marks1014 I was thinking more about professional stalkers rather than the weekend warriors. So in terms of the former, criteria such as time served and documented numbers of deer shot could be used to determine a certain level of experience.

[@georgeshirley8840]

Sounds like a money spinner for the training providers ..certificates don't mean you can manage deer no experience needed to pass them .

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

Correct, you can pass a certificate with almost no experience.

[@andrewadam9544]

@@CountydeerstalkingCoUk isnt it the case with lantra that you can teach it and over see it, score it and qualify someone without actually being a stalker yourself ?

[@jameshayton8469]

Would the PDSC1&PDSC2 cover you for this?

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

LANTRA have for years set the benchmark for countryside qualifications and training in Scotland, so it seems almost certain that the Scottish Gov' will include this nationally recognised awarding body and the LANTRA award of PDS1, in any proposed legislation.

[@jameshayton8469]

@@CountydeerstalkingCoUk thats great and can i say the courses you offer are fantastic and have worked for me to achieve the goal i need. Being tied at work and having a young family its hard to get the time to do anything, so time in the field is precious and hard to come by. 👍🏻

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

@@jameshayton8469 thanks James, pleased we could help. But nonetheless, for the sake of others, please respond to the consultation. Thanks.

[@user-ry6fu7xj8m]

I completely agree with what you are saying but in effect this is no different to what BASC are introducing with the launch of the "Register of competent deer stalker " for Farmers. To be able to get your name on the Register you must have achieved DSC2 as this, they claim is what most farmers/landowners are requiring. Most farmers i know are unaware of DSC1 or DSC2. So again BASC are saying to be a competent deer stalker you must have the DSC1 & 2 qualification. To me the next step is the Police insisting on a DSC level 1 qualification before the issue of a deer calibre rifle.....

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

To be on the register, BASC also require that you are a paid up member of BASC and also, for some bizarre reason, exclude qualifications awarded by the UK's largest land based awarding body LANTRA! An awarding body with which most farmers are extremely familiar with, because LANTRA are responsible for almost all countryside training and are Ofqual regulated. We want to see a more inclusive register, that recognises a broad range of deer stalking qualifications and also acknowledges experience.

[@24886544]

According to BASC 99% of licensing depts demand a dsc1 prior to being granted a deer legal calibre...despite it NOT being legislation! Tell me how that works then!

[@LiquidColourDesignBallycarry]

@@CountydeerstalkingCoUk I would love to know from the BASC video how their insurance is rock solid? Is my insurance rock solid less or more than theirs? I ponder !😮

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

@@24886544 If that is the case, BASC's claim is completely untrue. We know that we generate hundreds of PDS1 LANTRA certificates every year, most of whom go on to gain an FAC. Needless to say, that alone is a fair chunk of all new FAC applicants, yet alone those that have no qualification at all.

[@liamsomers2059]

As a guess PDS is not recognised in the requirements Peter?

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

Thanks fro the question Liam. LANTRA is the UK's largest land based awarding body, this is particularly so in Scotland. LANTRA are also Ofqual regulated, so we fully expect that a LANTRA qualification such as the PDS Level 1 qualification, will be recognised by the working group.

[@yasarhussain1398]

Great video, I definitely think that for those already in the field with experience, then they shouldn't need to go through any form of course undertaking, I do think that for people like myself who intend to get into it and have no prior experience, then it's fair for us to have to carry it out to ensure standards are maintained. Having a register however, is just quite silly.

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

Not just a register, but potentially once qualified you may still need to re-register your details every few years!

[@yasarhussain1398]

That makes sense for the purpose of accountability and enforcement of any rules and regulations generally speaking, however I'm not experienced enough in this field to be able to say if that's necessary! I like to think those in this field already respect the rules/regulations enough that overlord-like oversight isn't required given how niche it is.

[@slider21212]

Mandatory qualifications are required in many walks of life. Many that carry less risk that using firearms and putting meat into the food chain. Just do it, its not difficult. In most industries people that had done a particular job for many years found they needed to get qualification to carry on, deer stalking shouldn't be any different

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

Albeit, it is worth remembering, that due diligence first takes place by the police in the issuing of an FAC. Unless the police feel that a person is fit and suitable to be entrusted with a firearm, the process stops there. Many people who do not have a qualification and who shoot deer have already demonstrated to their local constabulary that they have a level of competence. Why do they need to demonstrate that again, just to carry on what they have already been deemed competent to do?

[@slider21212]

Police assessment for a FAC is about suitability to hold a firearm. Yes it required good reason but it does not assess competency in humanely killing an animal or anything to do will meat hygiene. In my profession I need a qualification that takes 4 years to gain and then undertake a certain number of hours of CPD every year. Perhaps if I made an error in my work it would be to the financial detriment of a client but it wouldn't impact on the welfare of an animal or risk killing or poisoning my client!

[@edwardoutthere3189]

Control control control all it is Scotland crawling with deer ,reason it's closed shop ordinary deer stalker is treated like lower case

[@sautoter411]

Screw scotland and rebuild adrians wall

[@RickConnolly-nc9dw]

Nice, that'll solve everything. And it wasn't Adrian (and The Young Ones) that built the wall it was Hadrian a Roman Emperor AD 122.

[@stephencurry7543]

When will it stop .I know some of the best stalkers about without the qualification. Bloody rubbish

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

Agreed Stephen, please make sure that you complete the consultation, it only takes 20mins. Thanks for watching.

[@marks1014]

No sympathy at all for the Have Nots. This has been coming for years and people have had fair warning. Well it's tough luck to those who continually buried their heads in the sand and refused to get qualified. The same is starting to happen in England and TBH has been mandatory for many of the big land owners for years anyway. I'm fine because I got off my behind and got qualified!

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

OK Mark, but have you considered that you may have to get re-qualified and re-register every few years? Added to which, it seems a bit tough. If someone has been controlling deer perfectly well for years, they are potentially now going to have to fork out hundreds of pounds just for a bit of paper, to allow them to continue to do what they are already doing.

[@marks1014]

@@CountydeerstalkingCoUk Not trying to get into an argument but 10 years ago I was one of 6 stalkers that took over the deer management on one of the Wildlife Trusts from someone who claimed to have been managing the deer perfectly well and had been taking the woodland grant money. Every reserve was like a deer park when we started. The British Isles is in this state because so many people have been managing their piece of land perfectly well (in their eyes) when in fact, most of them are simple freezer fillers who want to be successful on every trip so keep their deer densities sky high. Something needs to change surely? Regarding getting requalified. Is that confirmed or surmising?

[@CountydeerstalkingCoUk]

@@marks1014 Surely Mark you are not suggesting that if mandatory qualifications are put in place, along with compulsory registration, that there will be more deer shot? There will be fewer stalkers and as a result, far fewer animals shot. Regrettably, for this reason I believe that the proposals will be counterproductive.

[@marks1014]

@@CountydeerstalkingCoUk Maybe not to start with but in the longer term I think it will have a positive effect. I personally think that all stalkers should be qualified if only to prevent the risk of carcasses with notifiable diseases being moved around the countryside. I don't see a downside. If you can't afford it you take up something that you can afford.